Delhi Police removes Jantar Mantar as official protest site

Delhi Police have officially removed Jantar Mantar from the list of authorized protest locations, redirecting demonstrators to three alternative sites across the capital. The decision, announced on Monday, designates Ramlila Maidan and Burari Ground in north Delhi, along with CBD Ground in east Delhi, as the new venues for public protests and demonstrations.

The move follows recommendations from a committee formed by the Ministry of Home Affairs. Authorities stated that detailed standard operating procedures for organizing protests at these three locations will be released separately. The change comes as police have increased security measures and barricading in central Delhi since October 10, with prohibitory orders imposed in several areas.

Under India's Constitution, Article 19 guarantees citizens the right to freedom of speech and peaceful assembly, though these rights are subject to reasonable restrictions for maintaining public order. Unlike other states, Delhi's police and public order matters fall under central government control through the Ministry of Home Affairs, not the Delhi Assembly.

The previous system required protest organizers to apply 10 days in advance to use Jantar Mantar, which had a capacity limit of 1,000 people. Ramlila Maidan, another designated site, could accommodate around 50,000 participants. Legal experts note that restrictions on protests must be based on public order concerns rather than routine law and order issues, according to Supreme Court precedents.