Supreme Court Issues Notice On Plea Challenging Delhi Police Order De-notifying Jantar Mantar As Protest Site

The Supreme Court has issued notice in a writ petition seeking quashing and setting aside of the Standing Order dated October 11, 2026, issued by the Commissioner of Police, Delhi, whereby Jantar Mantar has been de-notified as a designated venue for peaceful protests and demonstrations.

The Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, had constituted a Committee to examine alternative proper venues for citizens' right for organizing protest/demonstrations in place of the existing "designated site".

Based on the Committee's recommendations, Jantar Mantar as a protest venue was de-notified.

The Bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi issued notice and sought a reply from the Union of India in the matter.

Senior Advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan appeared for the Petitioner.

The plea prayed, "Issue an appropriate writ, order or direction, particularly a writ like Certiorari, quashing and setting aside Standing Order No. L&O/48/2026 dated 11.10.2026, issued by the Commissioner of Police, Delhi, whereby Jantar Mantar has been de-notified as a designated venue for peaceful protests and demonstrations...b) Pending the hearing and final disposal of the present Writ Petition, stay the operation and implementation of Standing Order No. L&O/48/2026 dated 11.10.2026 insofar as it de-notifies Jantar Mantar as a designated venue for peaceful protests and demonstrations."

Previously, the Court had also asked the Union of India to take instructions in a writ petition contending that the Jantar Mantar located at New Delhi is not a suitable venue for protests, as they cause inconvenience to residents and disrupt essential services.

The notification also said that three new venues, viz. Ramlila Ground, Burari Ground and CBD Ground will be protest sites.

Cause Title: Swaty Singh v. Union of India and Ors. [W.P.(C) No. 1357/2026]