Delhi Police has designated three alternative venues following a Supreme Court direction, triggering debate over access to central locations for peaceful demonstrations.
NEW DELHI, INDIA — WEB DESK: Delhi Police has removed Jantar Mantar’s official status as a designated protest venue, ending a 33-year arrangement at one of India’s best-known locations for public demonstrations.
Authorities have designated Ramlila Maidan, Burari Ground and CBD Ground as alternative venues. The decision followed a Supreme Court direction asking authorities to consider suitable locations for peaceful protests while addressing public-safety and logistical concerns.
The move has drawn criticism from activists who say Jantar Mantar’s central location helped demonstrators attract public attention and communicate their demands to political leaders. Supporters of the change have cited disruption, traffic and security concerns.
Why Jantar Mantar Matters
Located in central New Delhi, Jantar Mantar became a designated protest site in 1993. Over the following decades, it hosted demonstrations by trade unions, students, retired military personnel, women’s rights campaigners and anti-corruption activists.
Its location near government institutions made it a prominent venue for groups seeking to bring public attention to political and social demands.
The site’s removal from the authorised list has raised questions about whether alternative venues can offer protesters comparable visibility and accessibility.
Three Alternative Protest Venues
Delhi Police has named three locations for demonstrations:
- Ramlila Maidan: A large ground in central Delhi that has hosted political rallies.
- Burari Ground: A designated venue in north Delhi.
- CBD Ground: A designated venue in east Delhi’s Shahdara area.
The sites differ in their distance from Parliament and other central government institutions. Activists argue that travelling farther can increase the cost of organising demonstrations and make it harder for protesters to attract media attention.
Authorities have presented the alternative venues as a way to accommodate lawful demonstrations while managing public safety and disruption.
Supreme Court Direction and Legal Questions
Delhi Police told the Delhi High Court that Jantar Mantar had been removed from the designated-site list in response to a Supreme Court direction.
The Supreme Court had asked the relevant authorities to consider alternative locations equipped to accommodate peaceful demonstrators while protecting public safety and the interests of other residents.
Legal proceedings concerning protest permissions and the new arrangement have also been reported. The precise scope and implementation of the change should be assessed against the relevant court orders and police notifications.
The removal of Jantar Mantar from the authorised-site list does not, by itself, establish that all protests in Delhi have been prohibited.
Debate Over the Right to Protest
Activists argue that Jantar Mantar’s central location made demonstrations more visible to lawmakers, government officials and journalists. They fear that moving protests to more distant locations could reduce public engagement with their demands.
Some residents and former officials have supported the change, citing concerns about noise, traffic, rubbish and disruption to daily life.
The dispute reflects a broader question facing authorities: how to accommodate peaceful assembly while balancing public order, accessibility and the rights of nearby residents.
Delhi Police has identified three alternative venues, while legal and public debate over the new arrangement continues.
Further court proceedings and official clarification may help determine how authorities will handle requests for demonstrations and whether additional arrangements are required.
