Archive · 10 Oct 2026
Supreme Court Asks Centre to Consider Alternative Protest Venue
India’s Supreme Court discussed where people should be able to hold peaceful protests in New Delhi.
The case involved a planned protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Police had denied the Cockroach Janta Party and Indian Youth Congress permission to demonstrate at Jantar Mantar.
A lawyer suggested Ramlila Maidan as another possible place.
The Chief Justice said Jantar Mantar has nearby residences and lacks facilities such as toilets.
The Solicitor General said an ambulance might have trouble reaching someone who became ill there.
The court asked the government to consider identifying a suitable place with basic amenities.
It did not choose a new location itself.
The Supreme Court asked the Centre to consider designating a venue other than Jantar Mantar for peaceful protests in New Delhi.
The bench said a suitable site should provide basic amenities and left the decision to the competent authority.
The hearing concerned a plea challenging proposed metro restrictions and train cancellations linked to a planned protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Police had denied the Cockroach Janta Party and Indian Youth Congress permission to demonstrate at Jantar Mantar; Ramlila Maidan was raised as an alternative.
The Chief Justice cited nearby residences and a lack of toilets, while the Solicitor General raised concerns about ambulance access.
- Who
- The Supreme Court of India, the Centre, and groups including the Cockroach Janta Party and Indian Youth Congress.
- What
- The court asked the competent authority to consider designating an alternative venue for peaceful protests.
- When
- Friday, October 9; the report does not specify a year.
- Where
- The hearing concerned Jantar Mantar and possible alternative protest venues in New Delhi, including Ramlila Maidan.
- Why
- The court considered concerns about facilities and emergency access at Jantar Mantar, as well as the need for a suitable site for peaceful protests.
Arguments for protest access
Concerns about the current site
Alternative location
Arguments for protest access
Advocate Prashant Bhushan said authorities could allow protesters to assemble at Ramlila Maidan if permission to protest at Jantar Mantar was denied.
Concerns about the current site
The Chief Justice cited nearby government residences and homes of some Members of Parliament as practical concerns at Jantar Mantar; the Solicitor General raised possible difficulties for ambulance access.
Facilities for demonstrators
Arguments for protest access
The court said a suitable place should be identified where peaceful and lawful protesters can have basic amenities.
Concerns about the current site
The Chief Justice said protesters at Jantar Mantar were denied toilets, and the Solicitor General said an ambulance could have trouble reaching the site.
- Court
- Supreme Court of India
- Current designated protest site
- Jantar Mantar
- Alternative raised
- Ramlila Maidan
- Groups denied permission
- Cockroach Janta Party and Indian Youth Congress
- Protest subject
- Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar
- Bench
- Chief Justice Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, and Justice V. Mohana
- Government representative
- Solicitor General Tushar Mehta
