Justice Amit Mahajan of the Delhi High Court expressed strong reservations on August 7, 2026, regarding protests at Jantar Mantar, stating that the city of Delhi should not be held “to ransom” by demonstrations. His remarks came during a hearing over a proposed protest by the All India Dalit Christian Rights Protection Committee, which is campaigning for constitutional recognition of Dalit Christians under the Scheduled Castes Order, 1950.
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## Protests Within City Limits: A Judge’s Concern
Speaking in court, Justice Mahajan emphasized his belief that protests “should ideally not be held at Jantar Mantar or within the city.” He highlighted the disruption such events can cause—blocking roads, delaying ambulances, and impacting everyday life for residents. “According to me these things (protests) should not happen in the city but it is ultimately the government’s call,” he noted.
The judge also drew attention to recent sensitive timings—namely, the approach of Independence Day—and the presence of heightened security operations in the capital. These factors underscored his concern over potential public order challenges should the demonstration proceed at its proposed location.
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## Case Details: Demand and Process
The hearing involved an application submitted by the registered welfare association representing Dalit Christian interests. They sought permission for a stationary, peaceful protest at Jantar Mantar on August 10. The proposed demonstration was modest: around 75 participants, no march, no procession, no overnight stay, and no obstruction of public roads.
The organization claimed they filed the request on July 9 and followed up repeatedly. Yet on August 4, they were allegedly informed—verbally—that permission would be denied. Neither a formal order nor an alternative venue was given in writing.
Their core demand is the inclusion of Dalit Christians in the Scheduled Castes list via constitutional amendment—altering the 1950 Order to extend scheduled status protections.
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## Government & Legal Responses
On the government side, Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma pointed out that the petitioner had not secured a No Objection Certificate from the local authorities. He also mentioned that the Supreme Court is currently examining whether Jantar Mantar should be designated as a legal protest site.
Sharma cautioned that gatherings, though modest now, might escalate—“When this 75 (number of people) becomes 75 thousand we don’t know,” he said. He also confirmed the Delhi Police will address their application and communicate a decision by the following day.
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## Court’s Decision: Deferring to Police Authority
Justice Mahajan refrained from ruling directly on the matter. Instead, he declared that since law and order falls under police jurisdiction, the Delhi Police must decide whether to grant permission. He firmly remarked, “Don’t put the city to ransom. Let the police take a call.”
The court then disposed of the plea, effectively ending judicial involvement in the permission process.
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## What This Means and Key Takeaways
– **Judicial Hesitation:** The court expressed that protests at central public spaces like Jantar Mantar are disruptive and better held elsewhere. The choice of venue is a critical factor.
– **Police Discretion:** While the court refrained from granting or denying the protest outright, the Delhi Police holds the authority to permit or refuse the application.
– **Unresolved Venue Issue:** The petitioner suggested alternate timings or venues if Jantar Mantar were not available. The status of those alternatives remains to be seen.
– **Supreme Court Oversight:** An ongoing case is assessing whether Jantar Mantar should be officially exempt from being treated as a protest site. This could have long-reaching implications for public assembly regulations in the capital.
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