Newdelhi: Rajya Sabha MP and senior advocate Kapil Sibal has strongly criticised the central government over the removal of Jantar Mantar's status as a designated protest site, asserting that peaceful demonstration has effectively been treated like a crime. Speaking at an online press conference, Sibal expressed confidence that the Supreme Court would step in to safeguard the fundamental right of citizens to protest. He also pointed to widespread public frustration stemming from high unemployment, economic challenges, and diminished public investment, suggesting the administration had lost credibility.
Questioning the timing and rationale behind revoking Jantar Mantar as a venue, Sibal noted that while authorities suggested moving demonstrations to Ramlila Maidan, ongoing Dussehra festivities made such a venue impractical. He asked why a long-standing protest location had been cancelled arbitrarily. Referring to a previous demonstration at Jantar Mantar, Sibal alleged that violence had been instigated by outsiders, pointing to an unexplained truck carrying stones, plainclothes police personnel, and unidentified individuals who engaged in violence while protesters faced a lathi charge and women were allegedly assaulted.
Sibal further criticised administrative measures used to curb demonstrations, such as restricting metro services and limiting trains entering Delhi. Drawing comparisons with international capitals like New York, London, and Paris, he noted that major global cities maintain central designated spaces near key government buildings for public gatherings. He accused the government of projecting India as a global beacon of democracy and diversity abroad while suppressing freedom of speech and dissent at home.
Highlighting Article 19(1) of the Indian Constitution, Sibal acknowledged that the right to protest is subject to reasonable restrictions involving state security and public order, but maintained that past gatherings at Jantar Mantar had remained peaceful. He contended that demonstrations pose no genuine threat to the state, but rather threaten the political survival of the current administration. Additionally, Sibal raised concerns regarding the centralisation of electoral systems, alleging that voter lists were manipulated during the 2024 elections.