Jantar Mantar Totally Ill-Suited For A Protest Movement: Mahesh Jethmalani

In an interview, Senior Advocate of the Supreme Court Mahesh Jethmalani discussed legal scrutiny surrounding Election Commission decisions and public demonstrations. Speaking on protests in Delhi, Jethmalani stated, "the right of protesters ends when the rights of others begin," asserting that Jantar Mantar is ill-suited for large protest movements due to severe traffic disruptions and impacts on local residents. He emphasized that the right to peaceful assembly under Article 19 can be regulated by authorities, who have provided alternate locations like the Ramlila Maidan. Addressing election disputes and challenges to the Election Commission, Jethmalani noted that internal deliberations must show material of sufficient probative value indicating illegality before a process is invalidated. He criticized opposition parties for constantly challenging institutions after suffering electoral defeats in by-polls, calling their reactions the conduct of poor losers. Furthermore, he observed that persistent political litigation places an undue burden on the Supreme Court, urging caution against unnecessary hearings that disrupt institutional functions.