The Delhi High Court is set to hear a plea challenging the closure of Jantar Mantar as a designated protest site on Tuesday. A lawyer argues that the move curtails peaceful demonstrations because authorities have not identified or designated an alternative venue for protests.
Outlets report that the request for urgent hearing is based on concerns that protesters may be unable to exercise their right to protest effectively under the current arrangements. The coverage also highlights apprehension about how protests related to electoral matters are handled, including claims that demonstrators could face harassment. The court’s deliberations are expected to address the petitions’ arguments about whether closing the site is justified and what alternatives, if any, should be provided by the authorities for lawful protest activities.
