New Delhi: Jantar Mantar, one of the national capital’s most prominent protest venues, has been removed from the list of officially designated sites for protests and demonstrations by Delhi Police. The decision, announced on Monday, October 12, has triggered criticism from political activists and opposition voices, raising concerns about the space available for peaceful public protests.

Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), strongly criticised the move, declaring, “Ab poora desh Jantar Mantar banega” (The entire country will become Jantar Mantar). In a post on X, Dipke alleged that the decision was an attempt to restrict dissent and argued that the issue was not merely about the protest venue but about the right of people to protest. His remarks came amid tensions over the party’s planned demonstration against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

Following recommendations from a committee constituted by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, Delhi Police has designated three alternative venues for protests: Ramlila Ground, Burari Ground and CBD Ground in Shahdara. Jantar Mantar has historically served as a major centre for public demonstrations on political, social and civic issues. The decision to remove its official protest-site status marks a significant change in Delhi’s protest landscape, with questions emerging over how the new venues will accommodate citizens seeking to express their demands.

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