Rijiju Defends Delhi Police Over Jantar Mantar Clampdown: 'No Protester Died'

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju has defended the Delhi Police's handling of the protests at Jantar Mantar, asserting that the action did not result in a single death among protesters. His statement comes amid ongoing debates about the enforcement of law and order at the iconic protest site.

Speaking to reporters, Rijiju stressed that while some injuries were reported, the absence of any fatality shows that the police exercised restraint. “Not a single protester died,” he said, adding that the authorities acted within the legal framework to prevent disruption of public order.

Jantar Mantar, located in central Delhi, has historically been a designated site for peaceful demonstrations. However, in recent months, authorities have repeatedly evicted protesters, citing lack of permission and violations of the Supreme Court's guidelines on protest management. The latest operation, which involved barricading the area and removing demonstrators, drew criticism from opposition leaders and civil rights groups who alleged excessive use of force.

In response, Rijiju maintained that the police had to balance the right to protest with the right of ordinary citizens to move freely. “No administration wants to restrict democratic rights, but it has a duty to ensure that public facilities are not misused,” he added.

Eyewitness accounts mention several protesters being taken into custody and some requiring medical attention. However, the Delhi Police have denied allegations of brutality, saying that all procedures were followed as per law. The administration has also stated that alternative arrangements were offered to the protesters.

The controversy highlights the delicate tension between civil liberties and administrative needs in India. While the right to peaceful protest is a constitutional guarantee, courts have also laid down reasonable restrictions on public assembly. Legal experts point out that the police's response must be proportionate and that any violations of procedure should be independently investigated.

The Home Ministry has not announced a formal inquiry, but the issue is likely to be raised in Parliament during the ongoing session. Activists have demanded a transparent review of the protocols governing protest sites, urging the establishment of designated zones to avoid such confrontations in the future.

This development underscores the need for dialogue between the government, protest organisers, and local authorities to ensure that democratic expression does not come at the cost of public convenience or safety.