‘Hands off our Jantar Mantar’: CJP reacts sharply to HC’s remarks on protest site
CJP Defends Jantar Mantar After High Court Criticism of Protest Venue
Bharatmorningnews.com – this powerful message was echoed by the Cockroach Janta Party on Friday as they firmly rejected any attempt to remove Jantar Mantar from its status as a premier demonstration location in the national capital. The party's decisive statement came in direct response to the Delhi High Court's recent observations questioning the continued use of this historic central venue for public protests and civic gatherings.
"HANDS OFF our Jantar Mantar! Before trying to take away our protest site, tell us if you will designate the India Gate where we can exercise our fundamental right to peacefully protest. You took away the India Gate. We will not tolerate taking away of OUR Jantar Mantar too!"
Party leader Das conveyed this strong message through the social media platform X, emphasizing the importance of maintaining established protest spaces. The CJP had previously mobilized student demonstrators at Jantar Mantar during the previous month to address concerns about the NEET-UG examination paper leak, a controversy that ultimately led to Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation as Union education minister.
Official Designation of Protest Areas
On July 19, the Delhi Police issued a clear clarification confirming that Jantar Mantar continues to serve as an officially designated protest location within New Delhi. According to police guidelines, demonstrations may proceed at this venue provided organizers secure the necessary permissions well in advance of their planned events.
"India Gate is not a protest site. The designated protest site in New Delhi is Jantar Mantar, as per the Supreme Court's directions. That is why we have advised everyone to follow the guidelines. At India Gate, people come along with their families to enjoy, and it is a national monument. There are VIP routes here; we are deployed here regularly,"
New Delhi district DCP Devesh Kumar Mahla provided this detailed explanation to ANI news agency. His comments referenced enforcement actions taken in November when authorities detained multiple individuals conducting air pollution demonstrations at India Gate within the National Capital Region, highlighting the distinction between the two venues.
High Court Questions City Disruptions
Justice Amit Mahajan's bench raised substantive concerns that protests at centrally positioned locations like Jantar Mantar unnecessarily disrupt urban movement and daily life for residents and commuters alike.
"According to me, these things should not happen in the city, but it's the government's call. Law and order is the police's department. Why should the city be put to ransom unnecessarily?"
The judge expressed personal reservations about demonstrations occurring within city boundaries, though he acknowledged that law and order matters fall under police jurisdiction and the government should make final decisions regarding protest management.
These observations emerged while the court considered a petition from the All India Dalit Christian Rights Protection Committee. The organization sought authorization for a peaceful demonstration on August 10 requesting extension of Scheduled Caste status to Dalit Christians across the country.
The petitioner explained that they submitted their request to Delhi Police on July 9 for a three-hour protest without marches, overnight camping, hunger strikes, or road occupation. Authorities had not yet finalized their response by the time of the court hearing.
Delhi Police indicated they would announce their decision by Saturday. Additionally, the force noted that the Supreme Court is scheduled to examine a public interest litigation challenging the continued use of Jantar Mantar as a protest venue, which could have far-reaching implications for future demonstrations.
Meanwhile, the CJP's planned march from Jantar Mantar to Parliament on July 20 descended into disorder. Police utilized lathi-charges and released tear gas shells to clear the gathering, underscoring the tensions surrounding protest rights in the capital.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is Jantar Mantar considered a designated protest site? A: Jantar Mantar has been officially designated as a protest site in New Delhi following Supreme Court directions. This designation ensures that citizens have a recognized space to exercise their fundamental right to peaceful assembly.
Q: What is the difference between Jantar Mantar and India Gate for protests? A: India Gate is primarily a national monument and recreational area where families visit, while Jantar Mantar serves as the official protest venue. Police have clarified that India Gate is not meant for demonstrations.
Q: When will Delhi Police announce their decision on the Dalit Christian petition? A: Delhi Police indicated they would announce their decision by Saturday following the court hearing on the petition seeking Scheduled Caste status extension.
Q: Is there any pending Supreme Court case regarding Jantar Mantar? A: Yes, the Supreme Court is scheduled to examine a public interest litigation challenging the continued use of Jantar Mantar as a protest venue, which could impact future demonstrations.