NEW DELHI: Supreme Court Monday sought responses from the Centre, Delhi govt and the commissioner of Delhi Police on a PIL seeking the earmarking of designated protest sites in the National Capital Region in place of Jantar Mantar, claiming that the latter lacked basic amenities and facilities for protesters.A bench led by CJI Surya Kant asked solicitor general Tushar Mehta to consider the reliefs sought by the PIL petitioner-advocate S C Kaushik and said, “The petitioner is suggesting that Jantar Mantar is not an appropriate site for holding protests. Get instructions on this issue.“The petitioner says Jantar Mantar is not suitable for holding protests as it lacks proper entry, exit, washrooms, drinking water, sewage and other basic amenities for protesters and medical facilities to handle emergencies. He is suggesting alternative sites. Please give a response,” the bench said.The petitioner said, “Delhi Auto Union has given a call for march to Parliament and Arvind Kejriwal has also said that he will lead a march to PM’s residence. Police authorities should take steps to prevent a repeat of July 20 (during student protesters’ march to Parliament and the ensuing violence and use of force by police). Residents near Jantar Mantar are facing a lot of hardships.”CJI said, “We cannot comment on these issues. It is for the authorities to handle emerging situations. If they mishandle, the law will take its own course.”
