Students return to Jantar Mantar to debunk viral false protest videos
Student groups say social media posts falsely claiming fresh protests at Jantar Mantar prompted them to verify the claims with vendors and CCTV footage, and are planning to seek police action against the accounts.
The Supreme Court has questioned the suitability of Jantar Mantar as a venue for public protests, seeking clarification from the Central government, the Delhi administration, and the Delhi Police Commissioner. This comes after years of Jantar Mantar hosting major demonstrations, including Anna Hazare's anti-corruption movement, the 2012 Nirbhaya protests, the 2023 wrestlers' agitation, and recent student protests against the NEET examination paper leak.
A three-judge bench, comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, and Justice V Mohana, is currently hearing the matter. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta has been instructed to take necessary instructions. The petition argues that Jantar Mantar's current state poses challenges for managing crowds and ensuring access to essential services like medical aid.
The petitioner has requested a separate direction to designate an alternative venue for large-scale demonstrations. The court has previously released student protesters with "criminal antecedents," but clarified that this applies only to those involved in serious crimes, leaving the rest up to individual states as per the law.
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Also reported by 3 other outlets
- Students outnumbered by 'puncture banane wale' at Jantar Mantar protest: BJP neta timesofindia.indiatimes.com
- 'Puncture banane wale' outnumbered students at Jantar Mantar: BJP leader Ramesh Bidhuri hindustantimes.com
- Jantar Mantar no longer suitable venue for protests? Supreme Court seeks Centre, Delhi govt's stand livemint.com
