In early 2018 the Supreme Court of India set aside a blanket ban on protests at Jantar Mantar. The ruling removed the sweeping prohibition that had kept the historic site off limits for public demonstrations.
Years later, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs advised that Jantar Mantar should no longer be treated as a designated protest venue. Acting on that recommendation, Delhi Police issued a formal announcement on 2026-10-13 declaring that the site would cease to serve as a location for authorized demonstrations. The police described the move as a neutral administrative decision, noting that the change followed the ministry’s guidance.
On the same day the announcement was made, Ashutosh Ranka, Saurav Das and Ajinkya Shinde arrived at Jantar Mantar intending to protest the recent policy change. According to the police, they attempted to hold a demonstration despite the newly issued notice that barred such activity. Officers detained the three activists on the spot, citing their effort to breach the venue’s updated status.
” Saurav Das, his voice rising, exclaimed, “JANTAR MANTAR HAS BEEN RECLAIMED!
While in custody, the detainees shared their reactions. Ashutosh Ranka declared, “Hands Off Jantar Mantar.” Saurav Das, his voice rising, exclaimed, “JANTAR MANTAR HAS BEEN RECLAIMED! WE HAVE ENTERED JANTAR MANTAR AND NOW WE ARE BEING DETAINED! But this is a message to all of us young gen! We can do it! Gyanu, you’re done bro!” The statements captured a mix of defiance and a call to younger generations to continue pressing for the right to assemble.
The detention drew immediate criticism from various quarters. Abhijeet Dipke took to social media, directing a pointed remark at the prime minister: “You cannot denotify the resistance, @narendramodi.” The comment framed the police action as an attempt to erase dissent. In addition to Dipke’s critique, the brief’s framing notes that Narendra Modi expressed a critical stance toward the incident, though the exact wording of his remarks is not provided. Delhi Police, meanwhile, maintained a neutral posture, describing the enforcement as a routine application of the updated policy.
The episode has reignited discussion over the balance between security concerns and the constitutional right to protest. Supporters of the activists argue that the 2018 Supreme Court judgment should protect Jantar Mantar as a space for public expression, while authorities contend that the ministry’s recommendation justifies the restriction. The Chief Justice of Pakistan appears in the key entities list.