Delhi Police has removed Jantar Mantar from the list of designated protest venues, raising concerns about where citizens can gather to express their views. The decision names three alternative locations: Ramlila Maidan, Burari Ground and CBD Ground in East Delhi.
Why Has Jantar Mantar Been Denotified?
Jantar Mantar has long been a familiar location for public demonstrations in Delhi. Its central location has allowed protesters to draw attention to their demands near important government offices and public institutions.
The decision to remove its designated status has started a debate about public safety, crowd management and the right to peaceful protest. Authorities must manage security concerns, but the choice of protest venues also affects how easily people can take part in demonstrations.
Where Can People Protest Now?
The three alternative venues offer different challenges for protesters.
Ramlila Maidan is a well-known ground used for large public gatherings. However, its availability may depend on existing bookings and permissions.
Burari Ground is farther from central Delhi, which may increase travel time and costs for people attending demonstrations.
CBD Ground in East Delhi is another designated option, but its distance from major government offices may affect the visibility of protests.
These changes have raised concerns among people who believe that access to a protest site matters as much as permission to hold a demonstration.
What Does This Mean for the Right to Protest?
Article 19(1)(a) and Article 19(1)(b) of the Indian Constitution protect freedom of speech and the right to assemble peacefully without arms, subject to constitutional restrictions. These rights do not guarantee access to any specific location, but restrictions on public gatherings must be assessed under the applicable law.
The debate over Jantar Mantar highlights a key issue: how can authorities maintain public order without making peaceful demonstrations harder to organise?
The decision has also faced legal scrutiny, with the Supreme Court seeking responses from the Centre and Delhi Police on a challenge to the change.
Conclusion
The removal of Jantar Mantar as a designated protest venue has brought the question of public access back into focus. The impact will depend on how accessible the replacement sites are, how permissions are handled and how authorities balance security with peaceful public assembly.
Source: India Today: Jantar Mantar Denotified, Right to Protest in Delhi and Clash Over New Venues
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