Supreme Court to list petition alleging Delhi Police blocking protests at Jantar Mantar
GS2Polity · Governance · IR· Fundamental rights, DPSP & duties· Prelims + Mains·
Fundamental rights vs public order: a GS2 case study on Article 19 and judicial review.
Why in news
The Supreme Court indicated it will list a petition alleging that Delhi Police is blocking peaceful protests at Jantar Mantar, which were organized to seek the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Background
A counsel before Chief Justice of India Surya Kant argued that the right to protest is a fundamental right under Article 19. The petition specifically addresses the Delhi Police's actions regarding protests at Jantar Mantar following allegations of misconduct against the Chief Election Commissioner.
Facts for Prelims
- ConstitutionArticle 19: Guarantees fundamental rights including freedom of speech and peaceful assembly.
- PostChief Justice of India: Surya Kant (as of October 2026).
Prelims practice question
Which article of the Indian Constitution guarantees the fundamental right to peaceful assembly?
- (a)Article 19
- (b)Article 32
- (c)Article 44
- (d)Article 21
Show answer
Answer: (a) Article 19 — The note states that the right to protest is a fundamental right under Article 19.
For Mains
Q. To what extent does the right to peaceful protest at designated sites like Jantar Mantar balance the state's obligation to maintain public order under Article 19?
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Constitutional conflict: Balancing the right to peaceful assembly against the state's power to regulate public order.
- Administrative discretion: The scope of police authority in restricting protests in sensitive urban zones.
- Institutional accountability: Mechanisms for addressing allegations of misconduct against high-ranking constitutional authorities.
Keywords: Fundamental Rights · Public Order · Judicial Review · Right to Protest · Constitutionalism
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This note is generated automatically from SatyaDheesh's news feed and mapped to the UPSC CSE syllabus. Check facts against the original report or PIB before using them in an answer.