New Delhi: In a major administrative directive, Delhi Police has announced that the iconic landmark of Jantar Mantar in central Delhi will no longer serve as a designated venue for public protests, rallies, or dharnas. Officially signed on October 11, 2026, by Delhi Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar, the formal order establishes three new alternative locations across the national capital—Ramlila Maidan, Burari Ground, and the CBD Ground in East Delhi—where future demonstrations can be conducted.
According to the official decree, this structural shift follows the recommendations of a special committee constituted by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs. The committee was tasked with examining and identifying suitable alternative locations to replace the existing protest site while balancing civic order with the citizens’ fundamental right to peaceful protest. The new directive operates as a partial modification to the earlier Standing Order No. L&O/48/22, which was issued on April 28, 2022. Detailed and revised Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) governing public assemblies, safety guidelines, and logistics at these three designated grounds will be published separately.
The policy change comes amidst heightened political tension in the capital following a recent call for protest by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) at Jantar Mantar last week. The political group had planned a demonstration demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. However, Delhi Police had denied permission for the assembly, citing security imperatives and public order concerns.
