Protesters at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. — PTI photo

New Delhi, October 5

The National Green Tribunal today banned all protests and dharnas around the historic Jantar Mantar area here, which has been a hotspot of many agitations over the past decades, saying such activities violate environmental laws.The green panel said the State has totally failed to protect the right of enjoying pollution-free environment of the citizens living in the Jantar Mantar Road area, close to Connaught Place in the heart of the city.(Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd)It said it was the duty of the State to ensure that the rights of the people to live a peaceful and comfortable life are not infringed by those who create noise pollution in the name of right of freedom of speech and expression. — PTI