Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. (Photo: PTI)

NEW DELHI: The blanket ban on protests around Delhi's iconic Jantar Mantar was on Monday lifted by the Supreme Court ( SC ) which said peaceful protests in the area are allowed.

The top court also ordered Delhi Police to frame specific guidelines on which areas around the building are allowed for demonstrations and what the occasions are when these demonstrations can't be allowed.

Last October, the national environmental protection agency, the National Green Tribunal ( NGT ) ordered the ban saying these activities violated environmental law.

Then in Last December, the NGT's ban was challenged via a public interest litigation (PIL) which said such a restriction was in violation of a citizen's right to protest.

The PIL was filed in the top court by Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sanghatan, an unregistered people's movement, through its founder member Aruna Roy, reported The Economic Times, at the time. The PIL made Union home secretary and the Delhi police commission as parties in the petition.

Jantar Mantar has been a favoured venue for protests and demonstrations ever since these were banned at Boat Club which is next to Raisina Hill and close to the seat of power. Many demonstrators from out of state often stay in the area for days when they come to protest.

NGT's order came on a plea filed by one Varun Seth and some others who alleged that processions and agitations organised by social groups, political parties and NGOs on Jantar Mantar Road were a major source of noise pollution and filth in the area. According to the NGT, the state had failed to protect the right of enjoying a pollution-free environment of the citizens living in that area.

