newspop
No alternative site designated for peaceful protests; Supreme Court also deliberating on the matter
New Delhi : A petition has been filed in the Delhi High Court against the closure of Jantar Mantar for peaceful protests. An advocate mentioned the matter before a bench led by Acting Chief Justice Nitin Vasudev Sambre.
The advocate pointed out that no alternative location has been designated for protests. However, the bench stated that the matter would be listed for hearing on Tuesday.
The petition argues that the issue concerns the restriction of the right to freedom of expression. It states that Jantar Mantar has been closed off, and there is no other designated place to hold protests in accordance with the law.
When the advocate urged the bench to issue directions for an immediate hearing, the bench asked him to understand the situation, noting that the Supreme Court is also seized of the matter.
The Supreme Court has directed the Central Government to file an affidavit. The bench questioned the extent to which it could deliberate on the issue while the Supreme Court is already examining it.
Report : Abhijit Tushar Bhatt (Political Editor)
Mudasir Maqbool
