New Delhi, October 12 (TNA) The Delhi Police has de-notified Jantar Mantar as a designated venue for protests and demonstrations, replacing it with three alternative sites—Ramlila Ground, Burari Ground and CBD Ground in East Delhi.
The decision was notified through a standing order issued on October 11 by Delhi Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar. The order was based on recommendations of a committee constituted by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs to examine alternative locations for public protests.
The police said a detailed and revised Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for organising demonstrations at the three newly designated venues would be issued separately. The latest order partially modifies an earlier standing order issued on April 28, 2022.
New protest venues
• Ramlila Ground
• Burari Ground
• CBD Ground, East Delhi
The revised SOP is expected to specify the procedure for seeking permission, venue allocation, crowd management, security arrangements and other conditions for holding protests at the three sites. Until the new guidelines are issued, organisers will have to follow directions of the competent police authorities and obtain prior permission.
Jantar Mantar had served as Delhi’s principal designated protest venue for over three decades. The central Delhi site hosted several major political and social movements, including Anna Hazare’s 2011 anti-corruption agitation and the 2023 wrestlers’ protest.
The change comes amid heightened protest activity in the national capital. The standing order, however, does not specify how existing or pending applications for demonstrations at Jantar Mantar will be dealt with; this is likely to be clarified in the revised SOP.
Authorities had earlier reiterated that prior permission was mandatory for any meeting, demonstration, sit-in or protest, and that violations could invite legal action.