Delhi Police has removed Jantar Mantar from the list of officially designated protest venues and named three alternative locations for demonstrations in the national capital. The decision was announced through a standing order dated October 11, 2026, and comes amid ongoing disputes over protest permissions and heightened security in Delhi.
The new venues are Ramlila Ground in Old Delhi, CBD Ground in East Delhi and Burari Ground in North Delhi. The police order modifies an earlier directive issued on April 28, 2022, which had recognised Jantar Mantar as a designated site for protests.
Delhi Police Announces Three New Protest Venues
According to the order signed by Delhi Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar, the three locations will replace Jantar Mantar as designated venues for demonstrations.
Ramlila Ground is around three kilometres from Jantar Mantar, while CBD Ground is approximately 13.5 kilometres away. Burari Ground is about 44 kilometres from the central Delhi location.
The police have stated that revised standard operating procedures (SOPs) for organising protests at the new venues will be issued separately. These guidelines are expected to explain the procedures and conditions organisers must follow when seeking permission for demonstrations.
The decision follows recommendations from a committee formed by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs. However, the order does not directly link the change to any particular political party or planned protest.
Cockroach Janta Party Seeks Permission for Peaceful Protest
The decision comes amid a disagreement between Delhi Police and the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) over permission to hold a peaceful demonstration at Jantar Mantar.
On Monday, CJP leaders left Parliament Street police station and repeated their demand for a confirmed date for the protest. They also sought an explanation for the police decision to deny permission.
CJP chief spokesperson Saurav Das said the party had formally informed the police about its intention to hold a peaceful demonstration. According to him, the police had accepted the intimation, but the party had not received a date or a clear explanation for the restrictions.
Das said the party had given the police 24 hours to respond, warning that it would announce a march if no date was provided within that period.
He also alleged that police personnel had used excessive force during a recent crackdown on protesters, including claims that demonstrators were beaten inside buses. These allegations have not been independently established in the information provided.
The CJP spokesperson said the party intended to continue its protests peacefully.
Security Increased Amid INDIA Bloc's Planned March
The change in protest venues also comes amid heightened security in Delhi over a planned INDIA bloc march to the Supreme Court.
The opposition bloc has raised concerns about alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process and has targeted Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Opposition leaders have also questioned security arrangements and restrictions affecting public movement in the capital.
Authorities have faced the challenge of managing demonstrations while maintaining traffic movement and public safety. The recent protests and related restrictions have brought renewed attention to where citizens and political groups can gather to express their views.
Although the new order does not explicitly connect the venue change with the INDIA bloc's planned march, the decision comes at a time of heightened tensions over public demonstrations in Delhi.
Delhi High Court to Hear Plea Challenging Closure
The Delhi High Court is scheduled to hear a petition on Tuesday, October 13, challenging the removal of Jantar Mantar as a designated protest venue.
The petitioner's counsel argued that peaceful demonstrations were being restricted without an alternative location being available. The new police order has since identified three alternative venues, although the court proceedings may address the legality and practical implications of the change.
The High Court has also listed a separate petition concerning protests held in Delhi on October 10 and 11. It declined to hear the matter urgently on Monday, noting that the Supreme Court was already examining the broader issue and had sought affidavits from the Union government.
The legal proceedings could clarify how the authorities should balance the right to peaceful protest with public safety, traffic management and the needs of other residents.
What the Change Means for Protest Organisers
With Jantar Mantar no longer a designated protest venue, organisers will need to follow the applicable procedures for demonstrations at the newly named locations. The detailed SOPs are yet to be issued, so the exact requirements for each site remain unclear.
The development marks a change in Delhi's arrangements for public demonstrations. Further clarity may emerge through the revised police guidelines and the ongoing court proceedings.
