Supreme Court of India Questions Jantar Mantar De-notification

The Supreme Court of India issued notices to the Union and Delhi governments on October 15, seeking responses to a petition challenging the de-notification of Jantar Mantar as a designated protest site. The plea, filed by advocate Swaty Malik, argues that removing the site violates fundamental rights to freedom of speech and peaceful assembly by distancing citizens from the state's administrative center.

Contradictions emerged regarding the legal basis for the move. While the Delhi Police previously told the Delhi High Court that the de-notification followed a Supreme Court order from October 9, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the Supreme Court that the decision actually stemmed from a committee report on alternative venues. Delhi Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar issued the standing order on October 11, designating Ramlila Ground, Burari Ground, and CBD Ground as alternatives. Aam Aadmi Party president Saurabh Bharadwaj alleged the site was de-notified overnight and urged judicial intervention.

During proceedings, Justice Joymalya Bagchi suggested that the right to be heard by the state should be viewed through a technological lens, noting that digital tools may reduce the need for geographical proximity to power. Simultaneously, the court addressed petitions regarding protests on October 10-11, ordering law enforcement to preserve CCTV footage and digital records following allegations of illegal detentions and the assault of journalists and lawyers.