The Delhi government on Wednesday informed the Delhi High Court that it has deployed adequate staff at Jantar Mantar, the sole designated place for protests, for maintaining law and order.
The submissions came in an affidavit placed before a bench of Chief Justice G Rohini and Justice R S Endlaw.
“In continuation of the compliance of order passed by the High Court, a police post has already been established at Jantar Mantar with adequate staff i.e. one sub inspector, one ASI, one head constable, two constables and PCR vans for purpose of convenience of the residents of Jantar Mantar as well as demonstrators. In the case of any problem or obstructions, residents at Jantar Mantar can directly contact DCP of New Delhi, SHOs of Parliament Street, CP, Division Officers and other official staffs who are deployed to maintain law and order,” it said.
The affidavit also said that police staff deployed at barricades have been given clear instructions to ensure that the residents of Dhawandeep and other buildings are not to be prevented from using the Jantar Mantar Road and allowed free ingress and egress from their buildings.
“In the past, demonstrations were permitted at Boat Club Lawns but due to rise in the number of people gathering, it was found that it was causing traffic problems. Thus the venue was shifted to Jantar Mantar where demonstrations could be held. In the case of large demonstration of more than 8000 people, it was decided to be permitted in Ramlila Maidan,” it added.
The High Court directed the petitioner to file his response on Delhi government’s affidavit and posted the matter for hearing to March 18. — PTI
