The Supreme Court of India on Monday issued notices to the Union Government and the Delhi Government on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) contending that Jantar Mantar is no longer a suitable venue for public protests due to extreme traffic congestion, emergency access limitations, and inadequate basic amenities. A three-judge Bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant labeled the issue "important" and directed Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to seek instructions on whether alternative grounds like Ramlila Maidan should be designated for mass demonstrations in the national capital.Bench Observations: Balancing Civic Rights with Public MovementDuring the preliminary hearing, the Supreme Court emphasized the critical need to balance fundamental rights to peaceful assembly with the public's right to unhindered movement and access to essential services.Chief Justice Surya Kant noted that the physical limitations of the Jantar Mantar stretch create severe vulnerabilities during large-scale mobilizations, particularly regarding emergency evacuations and municipal sanitation.Digital Mobilization vs. Space ConstraintsRepresenting petitioner Satish Chand Kaushik, advocate Aakarshan Aditya argued that Jantar Mantar was originally designated in an earlier era for limited, structured, and manageable political gatherings.The petitioner highlighted that modern digitally-driven movements transform small gatherings into overwhelming crowds within hours—often lacking verified organizers, command structures, or predictable attendance figures. Recent high-profile demonstrations, including student protests over the NEET paper leak and political rallies near the venue, were cited as examples of recurring urban gridlock in Central Delhi.Key AspectJantar Mantar (Current Venue)Proposed Alternatives (e.g., Ramlila Maidan)Location & ProximityCentral Vista / Parliament CorridorNorth-Central Delhi (Dedicated Ground)Space CapacityRestricted street corridorLarge open enclosure (100,000+ capacity)Commuter ImpactHigh traffic bottlenecking on radial roadsControlled perimeter with dedicated parking zonesEmergency LogisticsHighly restricted ingress/egress routesMultiple wide-access arterial roadsLegal Precedents & Executive MandateThe Supreme Court's decision to examine the site's suitability builds upon its past jurisprudence regarding protest sites in urban centers:2018 Jantar Mantar Judgment: The apex court lifted a total ban imposed by the National Green Tribunal, ruling that a complete prohibition violated freedom of speech while directing authorities to frame strict operational guidelines.2020 Shaheen Bagh Ruling: The court ruled that public ways cannot be occupied indefinitely and that the rights of protesters must co-exist with the rights of general commuters.When counsel expressed concerns regarding upcoming planned marches in the capital, Chief Justice Kant affirmed that law enforcement agencies possess full authority to maintain public order."They know how to handle it. If they cannot, come to us for mishandling. I am sure they will handle it." — Chief Justice of India, Surya KantNext StepsThe apex court has posted the matter for separate hearing, awaiting detailed responses from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs and the Delhi administration. The upcoming response from the Solicitor General will determine whether the Centre proposes establishing a new uniform regulatory protocol or shifting Delhi’s primary protest hub away from Jantar Mantar.Also Read :- Supreme Court Begins Hearing on Plea to Shift Protests Away From Jantar Mantar
