Supreme Court's 2018 Ruling on Jantar Mantar Protests Revisited
The Supreme Court's 2018 decision against a blanket ban on protests at Jantar Mantar is back in focus as Delhi Police redesignates protest sites.
The Supreme Court ruled in 2018 that a total ban on protests in Central Delhi is not permissible.
Delhi Police has recently de-notified Jantar Mantar as a designated protest site, offering new venues.
The Court emphasized the need for a balanced approach to protests, considering both demonstrators' rights and residents' concerns.
The Supreme Court's landmark ruling in 2018 regarding protests at Jantar Mantar is being revisited following the recent decision by the Delhi Police to de-notify the site as a designated protest area. On October 12, 2026, the police announced that protests would now be allowed at Ramlila Ground, Burari Ground, and CBD Ground in East Delhi, shifting the landscape for public demonstrations in the capital.
In the original case, the Supreme Court addressed a petition from the Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sanghatan, which challenged the imposition of Section 144 CrPC that effectively prohibited protests at Jantar Mantar. The Court acknowledged the hardships faced by local residents due to protests but maintained that a complete ban was not a viable solution. The ruling highlighted the need for a balanced approach that respects the rights of both protestors and residents.
The 2018 judgment stated that while Ramlila Maidan might not adequately accommodate protests due to its congested location, the authorities should devise a mechanism to allow limited use of Jantar Mantar for peaceful gatherings. The Court directed the Police Commissioner to establish guidelines ensuring that protests do not disturb local residents, emphasizing that demonstrators cannot claim an absolute right to protest in a specific location.
This recent shift by the Delhi Police comes in light of ongoing discussions about the adequacy of protest venues. The Supreme Court has urged the Centre to consider alternative locations that are better equipped to handle protests, reflecting a growing recognition of the need for suitable facilities for demonstrators. The Solicitor General indicated that the government is open to exploring new designated sites for peaceful protests.
Looking ahead, the implications of these developments may reshape the dynamics of public demonstrations in Delhi. As the Court continues to advocate for a balanced approach, it remains to be seen how the new designated sites will accommodate the needs of protestors while addressing the concerns of local communities. Future hearings and discussions will likely focus on establishing clear guidelines for the use of these new venues.
