The petition, instituted by former Jawaharlal Nehru University Students' Union president Aishe Ghosh, contends that since the commencement of the Cockroach Janta Party sit‑in protest and hunger strike on 20 June 2026, demonstrators at Jantar Mantar have been subjected to round‑the‑clock monitoring by the Delhi Police. According to the pleading, a permanent surveillance tower has been erected at the protest site and police personnel have engaged in uninterrupted photography and videography of every individual present, irrespective of any suspicion of wrongdoing.
The pleading further alleges that the surveillance extends beyond the public acts of protest to capture private moments such as eating, resting, seeking medical assistance and other personal activities. It states that the monitoring is indiscriminate in nature and amounts to an invasion of the right to privacy protected under Article 21 of the Constitution, as well as an infringement of the freedoms of speech and assembly guaranteed by Articles 19(1)(a) and 19(1)(b).
Specific instances of intimidation are highlighted in the petition. It claims that police officers have warned protesters that the images and videos taken at the site would be forwarded to their parents, guardians or the authorities of their educational institutions. Such threats, the pleading argues, have created a pervasive atmosphere of fear and have deterred students from participating in the protest, associating with the movement or expressing their views openly.
The petition also raises concerns regarding the treatment of women protesters. It alleges that during periods of heavy rainfall, women who remained at the site in drenched clothing due to inadequate shelter continued to be photographed and videographed, which the pleading characterises as a serious violation of bodily privacy and dignity.
Additional allegations include the conduct of route marches inside the protest area and the stopping of vehicles carrying demonstrators for questioning. The pleading contends that these actions contribute to an environment of intimidation and portray peaceful protesters as engaging in unlawful conduct.
On the basis of these allegations, the petitioner seeks a declaration that the alleged continuous and intrusive mass surveillance of peaceful protesters at a designated protest site is constitutionally impermissible, disproportionate and cannot be justified under the pretext of maintaining public order or national security. The pleading further argues that the installation of a permanent surveillance tower and the blanket deployment of videographers fail the constitutional test of the least restrictive means.
Consequently, the petition prays for an order suspending all mass photography, videography and surveillance at Jantar Mantar until the authorities demonstrate a proximate, real and imminent threat to public order. It also seeks any other relief that the Court may deem appropriate in the circumstances.
As of the date of filing, the matter is pending before the Delhi High Court for adjudication. No interim order or final judgment has been passed by the Court in relation to the pleading.