Jantar Mantar denotification as protest site based on Supreme Court orders: Delhi Police tells high court

Delhi Police notified Jantar Mantar as a protest site on Tuesday, following a Supreme Court order that directed authorities to consider alternative locations for public demonstrations. The decision came after the Court ruled in October 9 that better-equipped spaces should be designated for peaceful protesters to exercise their democratic rights without compromising public safety.

Delhi Police, represented by additional solicitor general Chetan Sharma and standing counsels Ashish Dixit and Amit Tiwari, informed the Delhi High Court that Jantar Mantar was de-notified as a protest venue on October 9, per the Court's order. The Supreme Court, comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana, emphasized the need for a larger, better-equipped space in the capital city for citizens to protest without endangering public safety, emergency services, or the interests of other residents.

Three alternative venues - Ramlila Maidan, Burari Ground, and CBD Ground - were designated as protest sites. Chib's lawyer, Siddharth Luthra, requested the Court to reconsider his client's petition, citing the recent de-notification of Jantar Mantar. The Court, however, decided to issue a notice on the reconsideration prayer and schedule the case for a hearing on November 17.