For decades, Jantar Mantar in Delhi has been an important location for public protests and political demonstrations. However, authorities have now decided to remove the historic site from the national capital’s list of designated protest venues.
The decision follows a review conducted by a special committee appointed by the Ministry of Home Affairs. The committee examined whether Jantar Mantar should continue functioning as an officially designated location for demonstrations and submitted its recommendations to the authorities.
Based on these recommendations, Delhi Police has de-notified Jantar Mantar as an official protest venue. The decision means that the location will no longer be available for demonstrations under the existing designated protest-site arrangements.
Instead, the authorities have identified three alternative locations for public demonstrations. Ramlila Ground, Burari Ground and CBD Ground in East Delhi have been designated as the new venues where protesters can organise gatherings under the applicable rules.
The development comes amid renewed political discussions surrounding protests in the national capital. The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which gained attention during the NEET paper leak controversy, has recently been preparing another major demonstration in Delhi.
Earlier this year, the Cockroach Janta Party organised protests demanding action over the NEET examination irregularities. The movement attracted considerable attention and contributed to political pressure before Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned in July 2026.
Following that campaign, the CJP announced another protest demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. However, Delhi Police denied permission for the proposed October 10 demonstration at Jantar Mantar, citing procedural violations and law-and-order concerns.
The authorities also introduced security restrictions and detained protesters during the demonstrations. These developments have raised questions among critics about the restrictions imposed on public gatherings and the availability of accessible locations for peaceful protests in Delhi.
The removal of Jantar Mantar from the official protest-site list has added another dimension to this discussion. While authorities have provided alternative venues, the decision changes the arrangements for demonstrations at one of Delhi’s most recognised protest locations.
For now, protesters will have to use the newly designated venues and follow the applicable permission procedures. The decision also raises a broader question about how the authorities can balance public order with citizens’ right to peaceful assembly.
