Jantar Mantar Denotified, Right To Protest In Delhi And Clash Over New Venues
A panel of journalists on Democratic Newsroom examines the Delhi Police's decision to denotify Jantar Mantar as a designated protest venue in Delhi. The discussion focuses on the relocation of demonstrations to alternative sites including Ramlila Maidan, Burari Ground, and CBD Ground, assessing how shifting away from central administrative spaces impacts citizen access, public visibility, and democratic dissent. Panellists address historical precedents from the Boat Club and India Gate, alongside availability issues at Ramlila Maidan and the remoteness of Burari. The debate details state security measures implemented during youth demonstrations, including the closure of 57 metro stations, train cancellations, detentions under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and the detention of working journalists. Furthermore, the panel compares restrictions placed on peaceful assembly with the management of political rallies and religious processions, addressing the balance between institutional security, public order, and the constitutional right to protest.