Jantar Mantar, a historic venue in central Delhi, has hosted thousands of demonstrations over the decades. Delhi Police has notified that Jantar Mantar is no longer an approved protest site, effective immediately. The enforcement has seen security forces barricade Jantar Mantar entry points.
The order was issued by Delhi Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar on October 11, 2026. On October 12, 2026, Delhi Police banned Jantar Mantar as a protest site and designated three alternative venues.
#BREAKING: Delhi Police De-notifies Jantar Mantar in New Delhi as a Designated Protest Site. Delhi Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar has issued an order designating three new locations for protests in India’s National Capital: Ramlila Maidan Burari Ground CBD Ground in East Delhi https://t.co/2WGFlh3ng6
Authorities said the decision aimed at easing severe traffic congestion and security bottlenecks in central Delhi. Revised Standard Operating Procedures governing crowd limits, permissions, and security protocols will be issued soon.
Legal experts representing the protesters have moved the Delhi High Court challenging the sudden restriction.
The three alternative venues are Ramlila Ground in central Delhi, Burari Ground in north Delhi, and the CBD Ground near Karkarduma in East Delhi. These sites were named as the new designated protest locations.
Political leaders and activist groups demonstrating against recent electoral roll revisions have protested the move. The enforcement has triggered pushback from these groups.
Legal experts representing the protesters have moved the Delhi High Court challenging the sudden restriction. They argue the restriction is an attempt to suppress peaceful assembly.
Saurav Das, co-convener of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), publicly denounced the Delhi Police's order. Das said, “Unacceptable. Why is Narendra Modi scared of Jantar Mantar?” and “We do not accept this arbitrary decision. It is an assault on people's fundamental right to protest and peaceful assembly.” He criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi, arguing the decision was made without stakeholder consultation and represents a broader threat to democratic rights in India.
Jantar Mantar remains barricaded and no longer an approved protest site. The three alternative venues are now the designated sites for demonstrations, pending the forthcoming SOPs. The debate over the balance between public order and the right to protest continues in Delhi.