Supreme Court to Review Petition on Jantar Mantar Protests

The Supreme Court has agreed to examine a petition seeking to end Jantar Mantar's status as Delhi's primary protest venue, citing severe disruptions to daily life and public order in the capital's central district. On August 3, 2026, a bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant issued formal notices to the central government, the Delhi government, and the Delhi Police Commissioner, directing Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to consult with authorities on the matter.

The public interest litigation, filed by Satish Chand Kaushik, argues that the historic site is no longer suitable for large-scale demonstrations due to critical logistical and safety concerns. The petition highlights limited access and exit routes, which complicate crowd management and can obstruct the supply of medical essentials and other emergency services. It further contends that prolonged protests cause immense daily inconvenience to residents, creating severe traffic disruptions in Central Delhi.

During the hearing, the petitioner's counsel referenced a recent political context, noting that Aam Aadmi Party leader Arvind Kejriwal had announced a town hall and a march toward the Prime Minister's residence. The counsel...