Delhi Police argues Jantar Mantar exempt from protest restrictions before Supreme Court

Delhi police appeared before the Supreme Court on Tuesday to contend that the Jantar Mantar precinct should be treated differently from other public spaces when it comes to the city’s protest curbs. The police argued that the area, known for its historic significance and frequent use by demonstrators, enjoys a special status that exempts it from the blanket restrictions imposed on other parts of the capital.
The petition submitted by the police highlighted that Jantar Mantar is a protected monument and a designated public forum where citizens have traditionally exercised their right to assemble. Accordingly, the force maintained that imposing the same curbs as elsewhere would infringe on constitutional freedoms and could set an undesirable precedent.
Legal experts noted that the Supreme Court’s ruling could clarify the scope of protest regulations across Delhi, potentially influencing future enforcement actions. The court’s decision is awaited, and it may shape how authorities balance security concerns with the right to peaceful protest in historic public spaces.