Government moves to de-notify Jantar Mantar as protest venue following SC directive

The government is moving to de-notify Jantar Mantar as an official protest site, following a Supreme Court suggestion that demonstrations require larger, more open spaces. A four-page order issued on October 9 by a Bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant records the court's recommendation that authorities explore alternative venues in the capital that can better accommodate public gatherings.

The de-notification move reflects judicial concerns about space constraints at the central Delhi landmark, which has served as a focal point for protests and demonstrations for years. The Supreme Court's intervention suggests that the current venue may be inadequate for accommodating large numbers of protesters safely and effectively.

The directive represents an effort to balance the right to protest with practical considerations of public space management and safety. By shifting protest activities to a more spacious location, authorities aim to provide demonstrators with adequate room while ensuring better crowd management and public order.

The specific alternative site that the government will propose remains unclear. The court's recommendation is expected to guide the administration's selection process as it identifies a suitable location that meets the Supreme Court's criteria of being both spacious and openly accessible for public demonstrations.