The Centre has removed Delhi’s Jantar Mantar from the list of designated protest sites, marking a change in the arrangements for demonstrations in the national capital. The site, which was designated for protests around 33 years ago, is set to be replaced by three alternative locations: Ramlila Maidan, Burari Maidan and CBD Maidan in East Delhi.
The decision, based on recommendations from a committee constituted under the Union Home Ministry, has been challenged in the Delhi High Court. A hearing in the case is scheduled for Tuesday.
The Centre has decided to remove Jantar Mantar from the list of designated protest venues and identify three alternative locations for demonstrations across Delhi. These are Ramlila Maidan, Burari Maidan and CBD Maidan in East Delhi.
Delhi Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar has reportedly issued a standing order in connection with the decision. Under the revised arrangements, demonstrations are to be held at the designated locations. The matter is also subject to judicial scrutiny following the legal challenge filed against the decision.
Jantar Mantar has long served as a venue for political protests, social movements and campaigns by organisations seeking to raise various demands. Its removal from the designated list changes the arrangements for public demonstrations in the capital.
Jantar Mantar is located in the New Delhi district, near Parliament, key government offices and the official residences of the President, the Prime Minister and Union ministers. Large-scale demonstrations in the area can create challenges for security agencies and traffic management.
In recent months, repeated protests have led to tighter security arrangements in the New Delhi district. On some occasions, restrictions were imposed on roads and metro stations, affecting public movement. Passengers travelling to railway stations also faced traffic-related difficulties.
The need to maintain security around sensitive government establishments and reduce traffic disruptions caused by demonstrations has been cited among the key considerations behind the administrative decision. The designated alternative venues are intended to provide locations for protesters to present their demands while reducing pressure on busy areas of New Delhi.
Ramlila Maidan is approximately 4 km from Jantar Mantar. CBD Maidan in East Delhi is around 12–13 km away, while Burari Maidan is approximately 21 km from the existing protest site.
The selection of these locations is part of the revised arrangements for managing demonstrations away from central and sensitive areas of New Delhi. Access to the new venues, public transport availability and the relevant administrative procedures will also be important for protesters.
A petition challenging the removal of Jantar Mantar from the list of designated protest sites has been filed in the Delhi High Court. The matter was raised before a bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Nitin Vasudev Sambre and Justice Sanjeev Sharma. According to the available information, the hearing is scheduled for Tuesday.
The case concerns the arrangements governing demonstrations in public spaces. The court proceedings will examine the legal aspects of the decision, which involves the administration’s security and traffic-management responsibilities as well as the provision of designated venues for citizens and organisations to raise their demands peacefully.
