On Monday, Delhi Police announced that Jantar Mantar has been de-notified as the 'designated' protest site in the national capital. The change was effected under Delhi Police Standing Order No. L&O/48/2026, which the force said was based on the recommendations of a Home Ministry committee constituted to examine alternative venues for citizens’ right to organise protest and demonstration. The official statement noted that the notification designating Jantar Mantar as a protest site has been revoked.
The Ministry of Home Affairs had officially removed Jantar Mantar's status as a designated protest site due to security concerns. A committee formed by the Ministry recommended this change, and the Delhi Police implemented it by amending its Standing Order to remove Jantar Mantar as an authorized protest site.
🚨Jantar Mantar as a protest venue has been de-notified, according to a Delhi Police circular. Read 👉🏻https://t.co/ZlhlN7F1bF https://t.co/Hx7czbdgGm
As part of the same decision, three new locations—Ramlila Ground, Burari Ground, and East Delhi's CBD Ground—have been designated for demonstrations. The official statement said that revised Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for organising protest and demonstration at these three venues will be issued separately. Delhi Police will issue detailed SOPs for protests at the new sites.
The bloc’s demonstration was intended to demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, citing alleged irregularities in the SIR exercise.
The administrative shift coincided with heightened tensions in Delhi, where the Congress-led INDIA bloc was planning a march to the Supreme Court to protest against the Election Commission of India (ECI) and demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the SIR exercise. Consequently, security measures have been intensified around Jantar Mantar, with barricades blocking access roads and police deployed at key intersections. Additionally, the Delhi Traffic Police issued advisories warning of possible disruptions and diversions at approximately 30 locations to manage traffic, including major intersections such as Dhaula Kuan flyover, Connaught Place, and Lodhi Road flyover.
#LIVE | Jantar Mantar De-Notified as Designated Protest Site; Protesters Gather at Barakhamba Road to Join INDIA Bloc March https://t.co/TYV40G47EB
Jantar Mantar, historically significant for its proximity to Parliament and government offices, has long been a symbolic site for protests. The decision has sparked reactions, with CJP founder Abhijit Dipke stating that the entire country will now become Jantar Mantar.
The announcement came as the Congress-led INDIA bloc planned to march towards the Supreme Court to protest against the Election Commission. The bloc’s demonstration was intended to demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, citing alleged irregularities in the SIR exercise. The planned march contributed to the heightened security posture and the traffic advisories issued by Delhi Traffic Police.
BIG Jantar Mantar de notified as a protest venue in Delhi. Ramlila Ground, Burari Ground and CBD Ground designated as new protest site now.
Abhijit Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Janata Party, offered two remarks that were widely reported. In Hindi he said, "अब पूरा देश ही जंतर-मंतर बनेगा!", which translates to "Now the whole country will become Jantar Mantar!". In English he added, "They have removed Jantar Mantar as a designated protest site. Yes, it is no longer a protest site because it was turned into a battlefield. Now the whole country will become Jantar Mantar!".
Delhi Police indicated that detailed and revised SOPs for organising protest and demonstration at the three newly designated venues will be issued separately. The force stated that the change was made under the standing order and based on the committee’s recommendations.