Delhi Police de-notifies Jantar Mantar as protest site; activists criticize the decision

For protesters who have used Jantar Mantar for years, its importance lies not only in the availability of a rally space, but also in its proximity to Parliament, government offices and the media. File | Photo credit: PTI

The Delhi Police on Monday (October 12, 2026) denotified Jantar Mantar as a designated site for protests and demonstrations, replacing one of the capital’s longest-established sites of public dissent with three alternative grounds further from the seat of power. The move drew criticism from activists who said relocating the demonstrations would make it harder for citizens to get their demands to the attention of political leaders and decision-makers.

Ramlila Ground, about 4 km from Jantar Mantar, Burari Ground, about 15 km away, and East Delhi’s CBD Ground, about 13 km away, were identified as protest sites under a standing order issued by Delhi Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar.

The order comes on the recommendation of a committee constituted by the Union Home Ministry to explore alternative places where citizens could protest. Police said revised standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the demonstrations at the three locations would be issued separately.

The decision partially modifies Standing Order No. L&O/48/22 dated 28 April 2022, which laid down guidelines for organizing protests, sit-ins and public demonstrations in Delhi. An earlier ordinance had identified Jantar Mantar as a designated site with the stated objective of providing adequate space for demonstrations while minimizing disruption to residents and traffic. She limited the protests to the hours between 10:00 and 17:00 and did not allow the program to continue for more than one day.

For the protesters who have used Jantar Mantar for years, its importance was not only in the availability of a space for rallies, but in its proximity to Parliament, government offices and the media.

Bhim Kumar, who has been part of the protests for more than 15 years, said the location allowed protesters to present their demands directly to elected representatives and those in power.

“Jantar Mantar is close to Parliament and the offices of those who are able to act on the demands of the people. There was an opportunity to get a response and see how the matter moves forward. How can you exert such pressure and be heard from such a distant place,” he asked.

Social activist Shabnam Hashmi, who has been part of the protests since 1975, traced the importance of Jantar Mantar in the gradual narrowing of the space available for public demonstrations in the capital.

The Boat Club area near India Gate used to host large gatherings, she said. Jantar Mantar emerged as a key protest site for public mobilization after other sites were closed to demonstrations, in part due to its central location.

“Jantar Mantar was important as it was centrally located and accessible to people coming from different parts of the city. Its proximity to Parliament and media offices was also key. During the protest, we were able to get MPs to come forward, address the protesters and take representation,” Ms Hashmi said.

She argued that the space available to protesters at Jantar Mantar was limited by limiting the area and hours during which demonstrations could take place. According to her, the latest decision was the next step in this process.

“What was once an important place for people to gather and express their concerns has gradually diminished,” she said.

The announcement comes amid a week of protests in the capital over a particularly intense revision of electoral rolls and demands for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Over the weekend, extensive security measures were put in place to prevent groups of students and other protesters from entering Jantar Mantar, with thousands detained across the capital.

Ms Hashmi said the decision to designate new locations would not necessarily prevent people from mobilizing or raising their concerns in public.

“They can warn and de-register places, but given the mood in the country, people will now take back public spaces. Every place in Delhi could become a Jantar Mantar,” she said.

Police have yet to issue revised standard operating procedures for the three new venues, with details of how demonstrations will be organized under the new arrangement to be finalized.

Published – 12 Oct 2026 13:58 IST