Delhi: Jantar Mantar No Longer a Designated Protest Site; Police Name Three Alternative Venues
Delhi Police has removed Jantar Mantar from the list of designated protest venues and named three alternative locations for demonstrations: Ramlila Ground, Burari Ground and CBD Ground in East Delhi. The decision, announced on October 12, 2026, follows a government committee's recommendations and comes amid protests demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over the revision of electoral rolls. Delhi Police has said that detailed guidelines for organising demonstrations at the new venues will be issued separately.
Jantar Mantar Removed from List of Designated Protest Sites
Jantar Mantar, one of New Delhi's most recognised locations for public demonstrations, is no longer a designated protest venue. Delhi Police announced the decision on October 12, 2026, through an order issued by Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar.
According to the order, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs had constituted a committee to examine alternative locations where citizens could organise protests and demonstrations. Based on the committee's recommendations, Jantar Mantar was removed from the list of designated protest sites.
Three Alternative Locations Designated
Delhi Police has designated three locations for organising protests and demonstrations:
- Ramlila Ground: Central Delhi
- Burari Ground: North Delhi
- CBD Ground: East Delhi
The police have stated that detailed and revised standard operating procedures (SOPs) for organising demonstrations at these locations will be issued separately. The new order partially modifies the previous guidelines governing protest venues in the capital.
Decision Comes Amid Protests Against Election Commission
The decision comes amid ongoing demonstrations demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over the Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and other groups had called for protests in Delhi, including at Jantar Mantar. The demonstrations prompted heightened security arrangements, with police personnel deployed across parts of the capital.
CJP representatives criticised the decision to remove Jantar Mantar as a designated protest venue, arguing that it restricts citizens' ability to organise peaceful demonstrations at a prominent location.
Jantar Mantar's Long History as a Protest Hub
For decades, Jantar Mantar has served as an important gathering place for public movements, political demonstrations and campaigns seeking government action. Several high-profile protests have taken place there, including the 2011 anti-corruption movement led by Anna Hazare and demonstrations by wrestlers in 2023.
The venue's central location made it a prominent site for citizens and organisations seeking to draw attention to public issues. However, concerns about noise, sanitation, prolonged encampments and the impact of demonstrations on nearby residents have led to legal scrutiny and restrictions over the years.
Revised Guidelines Awaited
Delhi Police is expected to issue detailed guidelines governing demonstrations at the three newly designated venues. These guidelines will determine how protests can be organised at the alternative sites.
The change marks a significant shift in the arrangements for public demonstrations in the national capital, as authorities move away from Jantar Mantar and designate three other locations for protests.