Jantar Mantar is a road, not a site, says Delhi Police chief
In an affidavit in the Supreme Court, Delhi Police Commissioner says none can insist on a right to protest only at a specific site and the State has power to change venue
Delhi Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar informed the Supreme Court that Jantar Mantar is not a designated protest site but a public road. He argued that no one has the fundamental right to protest at a specific location, and the government can relocate protest venues as needed. The police chief cited numerous instances where Jantar Mantar has hosted over 1,300 protests annually, causing traffic congestion, security concerns, and property damage.
He emphasized that the right to peacefully protest must not impede the rights of residents, businesses, or government offices in the surrounding area. While the de-notification of Jantar Mantar has been criticized by activists and opposition parties, the police chief insisted that the balance between citizens' right to dissent and the rights of others in the vicinity must be maintained.
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