Jantar Mantar No Longer a Designated Protest Site, Delhi Police Names Three Alternative Venues

The government has de-notified Delhi’s Jantar Mantar as a designated venue for protests and demonstrations, with the Delhi Police identifying three alternative locations for public gatherings.

According to a notice issued by Delhi Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar, the Ministry of Home Affairs had constituted a committee to examine alternative venues while taking into account citizens’ right to protest.

Based on the committee’s recommendations, Ramlila Ground, Burari Ground and CBD Ground in East Delhi have been designated as alternative sites for demonstrations.

The Delhi Police said detailed and revised standard operating procedures (SOPs) governing protests at these locations would be issued separately.

Supreme Court Raised Concerns Over Jantar Mantar

The decision follows a Supreme Court hearing in which the Centre agreed to consider designating an alternative location for peaceful demonstrations.

A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana was hearing petitions concerning restrictions on transport services in Delhi ahead of planned protests by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and opposition parties against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

During the proceedings, the court was informed that police had denied permission to the CJP and the Indian Youth Congress to organise demonstrations at Jantar Mantar, despite its status as a designated protest venue.

Chief Justice Surya Kant highlighted the difficulties caused by protests in an area containing government residences and homes occupied by Members of Parliament. He also raised concerns about inadequate facilities for demonstrators, including access to toilets.

“There are government residences there. Some MPs stay in the front lane there. Lots of problems even to protesters. They are denied toilets there,” the Chief Justice observed.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta also pointed to challenges in providing emergency medical assistance at the site. He noted that ambulances could face difficulties reaching demonstrators if someone required urgent medical attention.

Centre Agreed to Consider Alternative Protest Venues

During the hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the court that the competent authority would consider designating a venue other than Jantar Mantar. He requested that the Centre’s assurance be recorded in the court order.

The bench took note of the submission and left the decision to the Centre, asking the competent authority to examine the proposal and determine an appropriate alternative location for peaceful demonstrations.

The latest notification formalises the change by identifying three grounds for protests and public gatherings. Jantar Mantar will no longer remain a designated protest venue under the revised arrangements.

The Delhi Police is expected to issue detailed guidelines explaining the procedures for organising demonstrations at Ramlila Ground, Burari Ground and CBD Ground.

The change follows concerns about managing public demonstrations in central Delhi while addressing the needs of protesters, nearby residents and emergency services.