Delhi Police has withdrawn Jantar Mantar’s status as a designated venue for protests and demonstrations, naming three alternative locations across the national capital. The decision was announced on October 12, following recommendations from a committee constituted by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs to examine alternative venues for public demonstrations. The order was issued by Delhi Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar on October 11, 2026.
The three newly designated protest venues are Ramlila Ground in Central Delhi, Burari Ground in North Delhi, and CBD Ground in East Delhi. Delhi Police has stated that revised standard operating procedures (SOPs) for organising protests and demonstrations at these locations will be issued separately. Jantar Mantar, which has served as a prominent protest venue for decades, will no longer hold its designated status under the new order.
The decision comes amid tensions between Delhi Police and the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) over permission to hold a peaceful protest at Jantar Mantar. CJP representatives have criticised the move, arguing that it affects citizens’ right to peaceful assembly. The change also comes amid heightened security in Delhi following demonstrations over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and a planned opposition march towards the Supreme Court.
Jantar Mantar has been a major centre for public demonstrations since the early 1990s, hosting several high-profile movements, including Anna Hazare’s anti-corruption protest in 2011 and the wrestlers’ protest in 2023. Meanwhile, the Delhi High Court is scheduled to hear a petition challenging the decision to remove Jantar Mantar’s designated protest status on October 13, 2026.
