Delhi police remove Jantar Mantar as designated protest site, name three alternatives

NEW DELHI – Delhi police have removed Jantar Mantar’s designation as a protest venue and named three alternative sites for demonstrations, according to a standing order issued on October 11.

The order, issued by Delhi Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar, designates Ramlila Maidan, Burari Ground and CBD Ground in east Delhi as the new protest venues.

The decision comes amid tensions over the Cockroach Janta Party’s request for permission to hold a demonstration against alleged electoral irregularities.

According to the order, the federal Ministry of Home Affairs formed a committee to identify alternative locations where citizens could exercise their right to organise protests and demonstrations.

Police withdrew Jantar Mantar’s status as a designated protest site following the committee’s recommendations, the order said.

Revised procedures for organising demonstrations at the three replacement venues will be issued separately, it added.