Is Jantar Mantar Not A Fit Site For Protests? Supreme Court Seeks Centre's Response On Plea

The Supreme Court has issued notice in a plea contending that Delhi's Jantar Mantar is no longer a suitable venue for public protests due to safety and logistical concerns.

A Bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V Mohana directed the Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to take instructions on the issue.

"It has been stated in the plea that Jantar Mantar is not a proper site anymore for protests due to ingress, outgress issues. Supply of medical essentials etc. I think this is important... Please take instructions, Mr. Solicitor. Issue notice and list this separately," observed CJI Kant.

Court was further told that directions are required to ensure clashes similar to the ones that took place during recent protests, particularly amid the July 20 'Sansad Chalo' march do not recur. The bench was further informed that AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal has recently called for a similar demonstration.

Jantar Mantar recently witnessed massive protests against the NEET-UG paper leak. The protest, led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, saw a sea of students and even their families protesting against the irregularities in the exam system and the NEET paper leak.

The proposed protest march to the Parliament on July 20 turned chaotic amid lathi-charge and use of tear gas. The alleged excesses of the security forces also led to some protesters getting critically injured.

Notably, the Supreme Court today has directed that the State government are at liberty to withdraw FIRs registered against the protestors involved in the recent protests that happened in various parts of the country over the NEET paper leak.

As a CJI Surya Kant led bench clarified that those FIRs registered against persons who are already accused of grave and heinous offences may not be withdrawn, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the bench that 2700 such FIRs shall not be withdrawn.

Supreme Court is seized of petitions seeking independent probes into the alleged police action against CJP protesters during demonstrations held in the national capital on July 20. The representations seek an independent judicial inquiry, immediate preservation of evidence, medical protection for the injured, and accountability for officials allegedly responsible for the use of excessive force.

Case Title: SATISH CHAND KAUSHIK Vs UNION OF INDIA

Bench: CJI Kant, Justice Bagchi and Justice Mohana

Hearing Date: July 3, 2026