Newdelhi,Oct 9, 2026 18:46 ISTThe Supreme Court on Friday asked the government to consider identifying a venue other than Jantar Mantar for peaceful protests in the national capital. The court said there was a need for a suitable site with basic amenities for demonstrators.
A bench headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant made the observation while hearing a plea against proposed restrictions on metro stations and the cancellation of trains coming to Delhi ahead of a protest called by the Cockroach Janta Party and certain student organisations against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told the court the competent authority would consider designating another place for peaceful protests, and said senior counsel was also agreeable to the suggestion.
The bench, which also comprised justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana, noted that it was an appropriate time to identify and designate a suitable location equipped with basic infrastructure for peaceful and lawful demonstrators. The court asked the competent authority to review the suggestion and arrive at an appropriate decision, while the solicitor general requested that the submission be recorded in the official order.
During the proceedings, the court was informed that authorities had refused permission for demonstrations at Jantar Mantar, the conventionally designated protest location, for groups including the Cockroach Janta Party and the Indian Youth Congress. The bench also heard that alternative sites like Ramlila Maidan had not been evaluated, with counsel pointing out that Ramlila Maidan could serve as a viable option if Jantar Mantar was restricted.
The Chief Justice highlighted practical hurdles at Jantar Mantar, noting the proximity of government residences and homes belonging to members of parliament. The bench also drew attention to the absence of fundamental facilities for participants, mentioning that demonstrators often lack access to restrooms and that medical emergencies, such as an ambulance reaching a sick protester, could face severe transit delays.
Following the dictation of the order, the judiciary left the matter to the competent authority to evaluate the proposal and reach a final determination. The solicitor general reiterated that the Centre would review the possibility of establishing a dedicated alternative protest site equipped with proper infrastructure.