For 24 years now, Jantar Mantar has been synonymous with protest. While this obviously means protests located in Delhi, the connection has been a national one, with causes from across the country finding a home there. A notable example of this was the protest by Tamil Nadu farmers, which gained significant public attention, and finally that of the government as well.

And that is indeed why Jantar Mantar has proved such a valuable location, because of its proximity to power. That was why the protests against the Emergency at the Boat Club had such resonance, and why every major display of dissent and dissatisfaction has looked to Jantar Mantar since the former venue became off-limits.

The decision of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) on 5 October is a significant blow to this tradition of protest. On Thursday, the specialist tribunal directed the Government of Delhi, New Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC) and the Delhi Police to: immediately stop all activities of dharna, protest, agitations, assembling of people, public speeches, using of loud speakers, etc at Jantar Mantar road.

Audio: The Quint