Jantar Mantar No Longer a Designated Protest Site; Delhi Police Names Three New Venues

New Delhi, Oct 12: Delhi Police have de-notified Jantar Mantar as a designated venue for protests and demonstrations, naming Ramlila Ground, Burari Ground and East Delhi’s CBD Ground as the three new venues.

According to Standing Order No. L&O/48/2026, issued by the Commissioner of Police, Delhi, on October 11, an alternative-venue committee set up by the Ministry of Home Affairs made recommendations, and Jantar Mantar was de-notified on that basis. The order partially modifies Standing Order No. L&O/48/22 dated April 28, 2022. A detailed, revised SOP for protests at the three venues will be issued separately.

Delhi Police standing order de-notifying Jantar Mantar.

Jantar Mantar had been the capital’s main protest venue for 33 years, since 1993, when it became the hub after protests at the Boat Club were restricted.

The right to assemble peacefully is protected under Article 19(1)(b) of the Constitution, subject to reasonable restrictions under Article 19(3). The practical impact will depend on the revised SOP, which has not yet been issued.

Jantar Mantar has been the centre of youth-led protests since June, led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), founded by Abhijeet Dipke. Reacting to the order, Dipke said on X that the entire country would now become Jantar Mantar. The order follows a weekend of detentions, which Delhi Police described as preventive measures to maintain law and order.