The Delhi High Court on October 12, 2026, agreed to hear two petitions on Tuesday concerning the alleged closure of Jantar Mantar as a protest site and claims that demonstrators were assaulted during weekend protests in the capital. The court did not decide the merits of either petition.
The first petition challenges the alleged closure of Jantar Mantar, arguing that authorities have not designated an alternative venue for peaceful demonstrations. Counsel submitted that the restrictions affected citizens’ right to free speech and peaceful protest.
The second petition, filed by Vinod Jhakar, seeks an independent investigation into alleged assaults on October 10 around Connaught Place and roads adjoining Jantar Mantar. It also seeks preservation of CCTV footage and an inquiry into the police response.
The matters were mentioned before a bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Nitin Wasudeo Sambre and Justice Sanjay Sharma. When counsel sought an urgent hearing on the protest-site issue, the bench noted that the Supreme Court was already examining the matter.
The court observed:
“The Supreme Court is equally seized of the matter. The Supreme Court has called upon the Union to file an affidavit also. Once the Supreme Court is seized of it, we have to see to what extent we can look at it again.”
The High Court scheduled both petitions for hearing on Tuesday, October 13, 2026. No final ruling on the allegations or substantive relief was reported.
