{
  "id": 259617,
  "title": "'Why don't you shut it down?': Delhi HC questions Centre on why Jantar Mantar remains a protest site",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/07/why-dont-you-shut-it-down-delhi-hc-questions-centre-on-why-jantar",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-07T09:59:49.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Hindustan Times",
    "slug": "hindustan-times",
    "url": "https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/why-dont-you-shut-this-down-delhi-hc-questions-centre-on-why-jantar-mantar-remains-a-protest-site-101786095463681.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Delhi High Court expressed concern on Friday about the ongoing protests at Jantar Mantar, deeming such demonstrations to \"hold the entire city to ransom.\" The bench, led by Justice Amit Mahajan, clarified that while the decision to permit gatherings ultimately rests with the government and police, holding protests in a central location unnecessarily disrupts residents and essential services.\n\nThe court's remarks came during a hearing of a petition filed by the All India Dalit Christian Rights Protection Committee, which sought permission to hold a three-hour protest at Jantar Mantar on August 10 to highlight the long-standing demand for Dalit Christians to be included within the Scheduled Castes. However, the committee's request for a decision from the Delhi Police on the matter has yet to be resolved.\n\nThe government's counsel, additional solicitor general Chetan Sharma, stated that the police would deliberate on the committee's request by Saturday and communicate the decision. Referring to the court's observations, the lawyer noted that the Supreme Court is considering the suitability of Jantar Mantar as a designated protest site, following a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking an alternative location due to the persistent inconvenience caused by repeated demonstrations.\n\nThe Supreme Court agreed on Monday to examine the PIL, with Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohan issuing notices to the Center, the Delhi government, and other authorities regarding the petition filed by Satish Chand Kaushik. The bench acknowledged the importance of addressing concerns regarding public access and movement, ultimately declining to grant the committee's petition.",
  "summary": "Justice Mahajan questioned Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma on why the government continued to allow Jantar Mantar to function as a protest site",
  "key_points": [
    "Delhi HC criticizes Jantar Mantar as protest hub, disrupting city life",
    "All India Dalit Christian Rights Committee seeks protest permission",
    "Govt to decide on protest site by Saturday"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Hindustan Times",
        "title": "'Hands off our Jantar Mantar': CJP reacts sharply to HC's remarks on protest site",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/07/hands-off-our-jantar-mantar-cjp-reacts-sharply-to-hcs-remarks-on",
        "published": "2026-08-07T13:10:16.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}