HC seeks govt's reply on PIL against 'dharna' at Jantar Mantar

The Delhi High Court today took note of the plight of residents of Jantar Mantar, the sole designated place for protests, and asked the city government to apprise it of the proposed steps for banning 'dharna' near the historical monument.
A bench of Chief Justice G Rohini and Justice R S Endlaw directed the counsel for Delhi government to seek instruction and posted the matter for hearing on October 29.
"You take instruction on this issue and inform us," the bench said.
The court was informed in 2011 by Delhi government that an alternative site for protests would be earmarked.

The court was today hearing a PIL filed by Rajiv Singh through his lawyer Sunil Dalal.
The plea has sought a direction to prohibit holding of dharna by NGOs, social groups and others while restraining them from "shouting slogans, distributing pamphlets and littering at Jantar Mantar Road."
It also alleged that "because of dharnas, rioting, blocking of roads and unauthorized parking of vehicles... The fundamental rights of the petitioner and others ... Are being violated."
"The petitioner has been forced to file the present writ petition as he has been disgusted, disheartened and distressed by frequent dharna," the plea said.