Jantar Mantar out: Check Delhi’s 3 new protest sites

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Delhi has removed Jantar Mantar from its list of designated protest sites, marking a major change in how demonstrations and sit-ins can be organised in the national capital. The Delhi Police issued an order, naming three alternative venues: Ramlila Ground, Burari Ground and CBD Ground in East Delhi, as the new protest sites in Delhi. The decision follows days of heightened security in Delhi amid protests by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which has demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in electoral rolls. The controversy has brought the city's protest arrangements into focus.

For years, Jantar Mantar has been a prominent venue for political demonstrations, sit-ins and public campaigns. Its removal from the designated list means organisers will need to consider the newly identified grounds and follow the applicable permission process. The three locations have been selected following recommendations from a committee set up by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs. A revised standard operating procedure (SOP) for organising demonstrations at the new venues is expected to be issued separately.

Where are the three new protest sites in Delhi?

1. Ramlila Maidan

Ramlila Maidan is a large open ground in central Delhi, near the Ajmeri Gate area and not far from New Delhi Railway Station. It has hosted political rallies, public meetings and major demonstrations over the years. Its location makes it a familiar venue for large gatherings in the capital. Under the revised arrangement, it has been named as one of the three designated protest sites.

2. Burari Ground

Burari Ground is in the Burari area of north Delhi, away from the busy central district. The open space also contains Nirankari Samagam Ground, a sprawling open ground in Burari spanning roughly 23 hectares. The area is known for its large open spaces, which can accommodate gatherings on a substantial scale. Burari has previously figured in Delhi's protest arrangements for large demonstrations.

3. CBD Ground, East Delhi

CBD Ground is in East Delhi. CBD commonly refers to the Central Business District area associated with Karkardooma and nearby institutional and commercial developments. The area is located near Vishwas Nagar Extension and Karkardooma. It comes under Shahdara district and Karkardooma Metro Station is the nearest metro station. The ground's inclusion adds an option on the eastern side of the capital, rather than concentrating all designated protest venues in central Delhi.

How far are the three new Delhi protest sites from Central Delhi

The three designated protest sites are located at varying distances from central Delhi. Ramlila Maidan, near the old city, is around 2–3 km from Connaught Place. CBD Ground in East Delhi is approximately 10–12 km away, while Burari Ground in north Delhi is around 19–21 km from the city centre.

The distances are approximate and can vary by the exact starting point and road route.

Why has Delhi removed Jantar Mantar as a protest site?

The change comes amid recent violent protest at the heart of capital in Central Delhi. Jantar Mantar has traditionally offered protesters a recognised location to raise political and public-interest issues. However, authorities have increasingly focused on crowd management, security arrangements and the impact of demonstrations on traffic and public movement.

The decision to remove Jantar Mantar from the list of designated protest sites comes amid recent demonstrations called by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) and the Congress over Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Delhi Police denied permission for CJP’s October 10 protest, citing short notice, alleged non-compliance with earlier directions, and concerns over public safety, traffic and law and order. Security was tightened across central Delhi, with barricades, restrictions on movement and mass detentions reported as protesters attempted to reach Jantar Mantar. The Indian Youth Congress had also challenged the police’s refusal to allow its proposed protest, with authorities citing law-and-order and traffic concerns. The developments intensified the debate over managing demonstrations in the capital while safeguarding the right to peaceful protest.

Can people still stage a dharna at Jantar Mantar now?

The removal of Jantar Mantar from the designated list means that protesters can no longer demostrate in that area and any dharna or protest can only happen at the three other sites notified by the Delhi Police after complying with applicable police permissions and restrictions on public gatherings.

Delhi Police guidelines requires organisers seeking permission for demonstrations at Jantar Mantar to apply at least 10 days in advance. Earlier arrangements also linked the designated venue to the expected size of the gathering.

The authorities have said a revised SOP will be issued for the three newly designated sites. Until the detailed procedure is available, organisers should check the latest official instructions on permissions, participant limits and venue-specific conditions before planning a demonstration.

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