The Supreme Court (SC) on Thursday hit up the Union government and the Delhi Police over a petition challenging the decision to denotify Jantar Mantar as a designated protest venue in the national capital. The government’s move has sparked a debate over access to public spaces for agitations, particularly as several politically sensitive protests have unfolded there in the recent months.

The top court issued notices to the authorities, clarifying that it would consider their explanations before deciding on the case. The bench remarked, “We are issuing notice to the Centre, Delhi Police, seeking their reply. Let them reply. If it doesn’t satisfy, then the law will run its course.”

Union govt cites recommendation from the committee

Solicitor General Tushar Mehra, representing the Union government, informed the apex court that the decision to withdraw Jantar Mantar’s status as an authorised protest site had been taken after a recommendation was provided by the committee.

The petition has challenged the Centre’s decision to denotify the prominent protest venue, drawing renewed attention to the restrictions governing stirs in Delhi. The SC’s notice comes as a significant step in the legal challenge, with the authorities now required to respond to the concerns raised.

However, the top court has not pronounced a final ruling on the petition.

3 alternative venues identified for protest

The Delhi Police, in an order issued on October 11, 2026, designated Ramlila Ground, Burari Ground and CBD ground in East Delhi as venues for public demonstrations. In the order, the cops also said that separate standard operating procedures (SOPs) would be issued to regulate stirs at the said locations.

Moreover, the arrangements for managing the venues differ. The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) oversees bookings for Ramlila Maidan, while Burari Ground and CBD Ground in Shahdara fall under the jurisdiction of the Delhi Development Authority (DDA).

The rules governing how the DDA will allocate these grounds for political activities are still being formulated.

Although Ramlila Maidan holds a huge history of hosting political demonstrations and sit-ins spanning more than a century, CBD ground in Shahdara and Burari Ground have not seen such events for the past few years.

Jantar Mantar’s role in Delhi’s protest politics

Jantar Mantar, located in the heart of the national capital, has long been linked to public stirs, political campaigns and movements led by the citizens. Its removal from the list of designated protest sites has therefore raised questions about where people can gather to express dissent.

The controversy has assumed greater significance amid recent agitations linked to issues ranging from examination paper leaks to allegations of vote chori, or vote theft.