Jantar Mantar Denotified: Where Will Delhi Protests Happen Now?

What Happened?

In a standing order issued by Delhi Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar, the iconic central Delhi venue was officially denotified. To replace it, the police have approved three new protest venues:

• Ramlila MaidanOld Delhi
• Burari GroundNorth Delhi
• CBD GroundEast Delhi

This official decision partially modifies a previous police standing order regarding protest regulations dated April 28, 2022. The Hindu and The Wire have both reported on the directive.

• Order issued byDelhi Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar
• AnnouncementJantar Mantar denotified as a protest site
• Earlier order modifiedStanding order dated April 28, 2022
• PublishedOctober 12, 2026

Why Is This Important?

Jantar Mantar has historically been the epicenter of democratic dissent in India, hosting major national movements ranging from the Anna Hazare anti-corruption campaign to recent student protests over the NEET exams.

Its sudden closure to demonstrations comes amid an unprecedented security clampdown in New Delhi. The city is currently facing heightened tensions due to ongoing political protests by the INDIA bloc and other opposition groups directed at Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The security measures leading up to this decision have heavily impacted public movement, including the cancellation and rescheduling of several Mumbai-Delhi trains, as Highland Post details.

For background on the protests that preceded this order, read our earlier coverage: what the CJP protest at Mumbai's Shivaji Park and in Delhi on October 10 was about, and Arvind Kejriwal's Jantar Mantar protest on October 10.

What Does "SIR" Mean?

The current political protests triggering these security measures are centered around the Special Intensive Revision (SIR).

What Did the Government and Police Say?

According to the Delhi Police order, the decision to close Jantar Mantar to protests is based on the findings of a special committee formed by the Home Ministry. This committee was specifically tasked with finding "alternative proper venues for citizen's right for organizing protest/demonstrations".

The Delhi Police has also stated that a revised Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), a set of official rules and guidelines for organizing protests at the three new venues, will be issued separately to the public.

What Did the Opposition Say?

Opposition parties, including the INDIA bloc, have strongly criticized the decision. Political leaders protesting the SIR process have alleged that the Election Commission's voter list revision contains irregularities. The Election Commission has firmly denied these allegations.

"Ab poora desh Jantar Mantar banega" (Now the whole country will become Jantar Mantar).

What Happens Next?

From now on, any organization, citizens' group, or political party planning a demonstration in Delhi will be directed to Ramlila Maidan, Burari Ground, or CBD Ground. Authorities are expected to release the detailed SOP outlining the exact rules for booking and using these new sites shortly.

Key Takeaways

• Venue Closed: Jantar Mantar is no longer an authorized site for public protests in Delhi.
• New Locations: Protests must now be held at Ramlila Maidan, Burari Ground, or CBD Ground.
• Official Reason: The change follows recommendations by a Home Ministry committee seeking "alternative proper venues".
• Political Reaction: The INDIA bloc and opposition leaders have criticized the move, linking it to their ongoing protests against the Election Commission.

Sources & References

• The Hindu Jantar Mantar no longer legal protest site; three alternative sites designated by Delhi Police

  Verifies the new venues and the MHA committee's role.

• The Wire Home Ministry Denotifies Jantar Mantar as Designated Protest Site

  Confirms the official directive regarding citizens' right to protest.

• Times of India 'Ab poora desh Jantar Mantar banega': CJP after Delhi protest site de-listed

  Details the opposition's response to the police order.

• Highland Post Jantar Mantar denotified as protest site, police names three new venues

  Details the security clampdown and train cancellations.