Jantar Mantar, the iconic protest site in the heart of Lutyens’ Delhi, on Monday officially lost its status as a designated venue for protests, as per a circular issued by Delhi Police. The cops have named three alternative locations across the national capital where citizens can stage protests and public stirs.
Following a review initiated by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), which had constituted a committee to examine suitable alternative venues for exercising the commoners’ right to protest, the Delhi Police landed on the decision. Acting upon the recommendations provided by the committee, the authorities de-notified Jantar Mantar as an authorised site for protests.
Circular issued by Delhi Police
The development assumes immense significance as political tensions, coupled with a series of agitations, went up a notch over alleged electoral irregularities, with accusations of ‘vote chori (vote theft)’ reigning supreme.
These sites designated for demonstrations
As per the contents of the circular issued by police, the three newly designated protest venues are Ramlila Ground, Burari Ground and the CBD ground in Shahdara. According to Delhi police, detailed and revised standard operating procedures (SOP) governing demonstrations at the three locations would be issued separately.
They added that the revised arrangements are aimed at providing alternative spaces for public congregations and protests following the withdrawal of Jantar Mantar’s designated status.
CJP founder Dipke hits out at decision
Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the pressure group, Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), reacted sharply to the police’s move, declaring that the entire country would now turn into Jantar Mantar. Uploading a post on ‘X,’ he slammed the decision and alleged that the iconic venue had effectively been turned into a battleground.
His post read, “They have removed Jantar Mantar as a designated protest site,” adding, ““Ab poora desh Jantar Mantar banega” — meaning the entire country would become Jantar Mantar.
The long-standing former protest site has emerged as a focal point for youth-led demonstrations since June this year, and the CJP has played a key role. The agitations had gained attention amid allegations of examination irregularities, which reportedly culminated in the then-Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation.
Former Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan
Electoral rolls row fuels fresh stirs
Fresh spotlight was cast on the venue last month after an investigative report which raised questions against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in electoral processes. The report provided fresh momentum to the allegations levelled by the Opposition, linked to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
The row has triggered calls for agitations against CEC Kumar and has resulted in intensified criticism of the Election Commission’s handling of the revision exercise.
As per the report, election commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi had raised objections on record for as many as 14 times over the preceding 10 months to decisions and orders pertaining to the SIR process, allegedly taken without their knowledge or recommendation.
Move comes after sweeping detentions
The de-notification also comes against the backdrop of widespread detentions in Delhi, including those of four former Chief Ministers (CMs). Police said the preventive action had been taken to ensure the upkeep of law and order in the city amid protest calls raised by various groups, particularly the CJP, targeting Kumar.