Full Breakdown
Delhi’s Historic Protest Hub Jantar Mantar De-notified; New Venues Designated Amid Legal Challenge
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Development – De-notification and New Sites
On October 12, 2026, Delhi Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar issued a standing order removing Jantar Mantar from the list of designated protest venues and naming three alternative grounds—Ramlila Ground (? 4 km), Burari Ground (? 15 km) and CBD Ground in East Delhi (? 13 km)—as new locations for public demonstrations. The decision followed recommendations of a committee set up by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs.
Background & Context
Jantar Mantar, an 18th-century observatory, became Delhi’s premier protest site after the Boat Club lawns were restricted in the 1990s. Its proximity to Parliament and media made it symbolic for movements from the 2011 anti-corruption fast to the 2019 anti-CAA rallies. The Supreme Court’s 2018 judgment in *Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan v. Union of India* upheld the site’s status. In October 9, 2026, the Court asked the government to consider alternative venues, prompting the de-notification.
Data & Statistics
- ACLED records more than 600 protest events at Jantar Mantar over the past decade, with over 80 in 2026.
- Student participation peaked in 2026, featuring in nearly half of all demonstrations that year.
- Booking Ramlila Ground costs INR1.21 lakh per day (including a INR55,000 security deposit), with no free dates until late December.
Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| April 28, 2022 | Standing Order L&O/48/22 partially designates Jantar Mantar as a protest site. |
| October 9, 2026 | Supreme Court urges reconsideration of Jantar Mantar’s suitability. |
| October 11, 2026 | Delhi Police issues order de-notifying Jantar Mantar and naming three new venues. |
| October 12, 2026 | De-notification takes effect; protests intensify over Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. |
| October 13, 2026 | Supreme Court seeks responses from the Centre and Delhi Police; CJP leaders detained at Jantar Mantar. |
| October 14, 2026 | Detained leaders placed in five-day judicial custody. |
| October 15, 2026 | Supreme Court issues notice, remarks on “heard” requirement in the digital age. |
| November 17, 2026 (scheduled) | Court to hear further arguments on the de-notification. |
Official Statements & Responses
- “You have challenged the de-notification. We are issuing notice. Let them come and file their reply. We will see what the reasons are,” — Chief Justice of India Surya Kant.
Criticism & Opposition
- Ms. Hashmi, social activist: “Jantar Mantar was important because it was centrally located and accessible… its proximity to Parliament and media was crucial.”
- **Mr.
- Abhijeet Dipke, CJP founder: “The Prime Minister will soon de-notify democracy in India. This move is a step towards that.”
- Jairam Ramesh, Congress general secretary: described the action as “extreme panic” by the government.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Basis of the decision: Delhi Police and Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma cite a Supreme Court directive; Solicitor General Mehta and court filings claim the committee’s recommendation was independent.
- Financial and logistical feasibility: Ramlila Ground’s cost exceeds INR1 lakh per day and is fully booked for months, raising concerns about accessibility for smaller groups. No detailed SOP for the new sites has been released.