Jantar Mantar No Longer Designated Protest Site; Delhi Police Names Three Alternatives

Delhi Police has removed Jantar Mantar from the list of designated venues for protests and demonstrations, announcing three alternative locations for organising public gatherings in the national capital.

According to a police circular issued on Monday, October 12, the decision followed recommendations from a committee constituted by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs to examine suitable alternative venues that would allow citizens to exercise their right to organise protests and demonstrations.

The circular confirmed that Jantar Mantar would no longer remain a designated protest site and named three locations where demonstrations could be held.

Three New Venues Designated for Protests

The Delhi Police circular identified the following locations as alternative venues for protests and demonstrations:

- Ramlila Ground

- Burari Ground

- CBD Ground

The police said detailed and revised standard operating procedures (SOPs) governing protests at the three locations would be issued separately.

The new arrangements follow a review of existing facilities for public demonstrations and come amid heightened tensions in Delhi over protests demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

Jantar Mantar Was a Centre of Youth-Led Protests

Jantar Mantar has been a prominent site for demonstrations in Delhi, including youth-led protests organised since June by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), founded by Abhijeet Dipke.

The protests focused on alleged examination irregularities and demands for accountability from the government. The movement ultimately saw the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, the report said.

More recently, protests at Jantar Mantar have been about irregularities in Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

Decision Comes Amid Tensions Over Protest Restrictions

The de-notification of Jantar Mantar coincides with the broader debate on the allowances for protests, and on the detention of demonstrators in Delhi.

CJP had requested permission to organise a protest at Jantar Mantar on October 10, but the Delhi Police had refused the request on issues of short notice and public safety and law and order.

Since then, the CJP leaders have been looking for a new date for their demonstration and raised concerns about the limitations placed on their protest plan.

The announcement of three alternative venues provides a new framework for organising demonstrations in the capital. However, the practical arrangements and revised procedures for holding protests at these sites are expected to be clarified through the separate SOPs announced by Delhi Police.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Susmita Modak

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Always love to raise the unraised matter. In a world of worries, I am always ready to come over my comfort zone and taking the step ahead of spreading awareness.

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