The Delhi Police on Monday (October 12, 2026) announced that Jantar Mantar has been denotified as a protest venue. The decision followed recommendations made by a committee constituted by the Ministry of Home Affairs to identify alternative sites for demonstrations.
“Three new venues, namely Ramlila Ground, Burari Ground and CBD Ground in East Delhi, have been designated for the organisation of protests and demonstrations,” the police said in a statement
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Here is a look at the history of Jantar Mantar, how it evolved into one of the capital’s most prominent protest sites, and some of the major demonstrations held there in recent years.
An 18th-century monument
The Delhi Jantar Mantar, originally known as Yantra Mantra, was built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II of Jaipur as an astronomical observatory at the behest of Mughal emperor Muhammad Shah. Constructed around 1724, it relied on naked-eye observations, with its instruments, or yantras, providing remarkably accurate readings.
Built of brick rubble and finished with lime plaster, the observatory comprises four principal instruments: the Samrat Yantra, Ram Yantra, Jai Prakash Yantra and Mishra Yantra. Its primary purpose was to compile astronomical tables and predict the movements and positions of the Sun, Moon and planets. The name “Jantar Mantar” is derived from the words for instruments and calculations.
The Delhi observatory was the first of five Jantar Mantars established by Jai Singh II. The others were built in Jaipur, Ujjain, Mathura, which no longer survives, and Varanasi.
In addition to the four principal instruments, the complex contains 14 geometric devices used to measure time, forecast weather, track planetary movements and determine celestial altitudes. These fixed structures were designed to minimise the effect of vibrations and were carefully aligned to specific directions.
Delhi’s protest landscape
Jantar Mantar was not always Delhi’s preferred venue for protests. Earlier, the Boat Club lawns were the focal point for major agitations, including the anti-cow slaughter demonstrations and mobilisation during the Ram Janmabhoomi movement. Subsequently, the Ramlila Maidan emerged as a key venue where thousands gathered to voice their opposition to government policies. It was also the site of the India Against Corruption movement, which captured widespread public attention.
Over time, however, Jantar Mantar became synonymous with public protest. From smaller pressure groups to national parties and Opposition alliances, a wide range of organisations chose the site to press their demands. Most recently, it has served as a venue for protests by Opposition parties seeking the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Delhi’s protest hub
Its location, less than 3 km from Parliament, has made Jantar Mantar a symbolic alternative to marches towards Parliament. The site allows demonstrators to voice their concerns within close proximity of the country’s political establishment while remaining outside Parliament’s high-security perimeter. Its nearness to Parliament has also enabled political leaders and legislators to step out of the House and directly address protesters.
Lokpal Bill movement
Anti-corruption activist Anna Hazare began his fast at Jantar Mantar on April 5, 2011, demanding the enactment of the Jan Lokpal Bill drafted with inputs from civil society groups.
Also read: Deconstructing the Anna Hazare campaign
The agitation sparked a nationwide debate on corruption and accountability. Hundreds of supporters thronged Jantar Mantar, with some joining Mr. Hazare’s fast and others expressing solidarity with the movement.
Nirbhaya protests
Following the death of a 23-year-old physiotherapy student who was gang-raped in Delhi, large crowds gathered at Jantar Mantar on the night of December 30, 2012, demanding justice and stronger laws to address violence against women.
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The protests, which were largely peaceful at the beginning, witnessed clashes the following day after some demonstrators attempted to march towards central Delhi and were stopped by police.
Anti-CAA protests
Thousands of people opposing the Citizenship (Amendment) Act and the proposed National Register of Citizens gathered at Jantar Mantar on December 19, 2019, after police prevented rallies from proceeding from locations including Mandi House and the Red Fort.
Also read: Dispersed crowds hold massive anti-CAA protest at Jantar Mantar
On December 25, 2019, another large march converged on Jantar Mantar. Ahead of the demonstration, prohibitory orders under Section 144 were imposed around Mandi House, prompting many protesters to assemble elsewhere before proceeding towards the designated venue.
Wrestlers’ protest
Olympians and international wrestlers, including Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia, launched a sit-in protest at Jantar Mantar on January 18, 2023, against the Wrestling Federation of India and its then president, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.
Ms. Phogat alleged that women wrestlers had faced sexual harassment, allegations that Mr. Singh denied.
The protest was initially suspended after discussions with government officials and assurances that an oversight committee would examine the allegations. However, leading wrestlers resumed their agitation on April 23, 2023, stating that no meaningful action had been taken.
On April 28, 2023, the protesters welcomed the Delhi Police decision to register an FIR against Mr. Singh, describing it as an important step, while maintaining that their agitation would continue until further action was taken. A week later, on May 3, 2023, tensions escalated when a scuffle broke out between protesters and police personnel at the site.
CJP protest against NEET paper leak
On June 20, 2026, the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) launched an indefinite sit-in protest at Jantar Mantar over the alleged NEET paper leak.
The agitation gained prominence after activist Sonam Wangchuk joined the protest and began an indefinite hunger strike on June 28, 2026. What began as a campaign centred on examination irregularities broadened into a movement focused on youth unemployment, recruitment examinations and governance issues.
The protesters demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET paper leak controversy, alleged irregularities in CBSE’s on-screen marking process and wider examination reforms. The agitation eventually ended following Mr. Pradhan’s resignation.