Centre Removes Jantar Mantar from Approved Protest Sites, Names Three Alternatives

Delhi Removes Jantar Mantar from Approved Protest Sites, Announces Three Alternative Venues

Centre Removes Jantar Mantar from Approved Protest Sites, Names Three Alternatives

GGS NEWS 

New Delhi, October 12, 2026 :  The Delhi Police has removed Jantar Mantar from the list of officially designated protest venues and identified three alternative locations for public demonstrations across the national capital. The newly designated sites are Ramlila Ground, Burari Ground and CBD Ground in East Delhi. The decision marks a change in the arrangements governing where organised protests can take place in the city. 

According to reports, the revised order was issued on October 11 following directions from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs. The decision came after discussions about identifying a suitable alternative location where demonstrations could be conducted while maintaining public safety, managing crowds and reducing disruption to traffic and daily activities.

Jantar Mantar has served as one of Delhi’s most recognised locations for political demonstrations, public campaigns and protests over social and administrative issues. Over the years, activists, political organisations, students and citizens have gathered there to present their demands and draw attention to matters of public concern.

The removal of the site from the official list means organisers will need to consider the newly designated locations and follow the applicable permission procedures when planning demonstrations. The specific conditions governing future protests will depend on the police guidelines and approvals applicable to each event.

Ramlila Ground, one of the new venues, has a long history of hosting large public gatherings, political meetings and demonstrations. Burari Ground and CBD Ground have also been identified as alternative locations under the revised arrangement. The selection of multiple sites provides authorities with options for accommodating demonstrations in different parts of the capital. 

The change follows recent discussions in the Supreme Court regarding the need for a suitable alternative to Jantar Mantar. On October 9, the court asked the relevant authorities to consider a larger venue with adequate facilities for peaceful protesters. The bench highlighted the importance of balancing citizens’ democratic rights with public safety, access for emergency services and the interests of residents. 

The issue gained further attention during protests in Delhi over demands for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Demonstrations organised by the Cockroach Janta Party and other groups prompted extensive security arrangements, traffic restrictions and police action in parts of the city. Police had also declined permission for a proposed gathering at Jantar Mantar, citing short notice and concerns about compliance with previous conditions. 

The new arrangement is expected to change how protest organisers plan public gatherings in Delhi. Authorities will need to communicate the rules for obtaining permission, venue capacity, crowd management and other operational requirements to ensure that demonstrations can take place in an orderly manner.

For citizens and organisations seeking to raise public issues, the availability of designated venues remains an important consideration. The effectiveness of the new system will depend on whether the alternative locations provide practical access, suitable facilities and arrangements that allow peaceful assemblies to proceed without unnecessary disruption.

The removal of Jantar Mantar from the designated list does not, by itself, eliminate the constitutional right to peaceful assembly. That right remains subject to applicable legal restrictions and public-order requirements. The immediate change concerns the officially designated locations for demonstrations, while the precise procedures for organising future protests will depend on the relevant police directions.

The development represents a significant shift in Delhi’s protest-management arrangements, moving organised demonstrations away from a long-established central location towards three newly designated venues.