Full Breakdown
Protests Over Jantar Mantar’s Denotification Intensify Across Delhi
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event – Denotification Triggers Citywide Demonstrations
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs removed Jantar Mantar from the list of designated protest sites on October 12. Within hours, political and student groups marched toward the complex, demanding its restoration and the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Police barricades prevented entry and dozens of demonstrators were detained.
Background & Context
Jantar Mantar has long been a symbolic space for dissent. The SIR controversy, which opposition groups say compromised electoral rolls, heightened scrutiny of the Election Commission and its chief. The opposition bloc INDIA and several youth wings called for a “peaceful assembly” at the site as a test of democratic freedoms.
Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Oct 8 | Supreme Court granted the Centre an extension to respond to pleas related to the Oct 10 protests. |
| Oct 9 | Court noted pending responses from authorities. |
| Oct 10 | Delhi Police fortified Jantar Mantar and barred entry. |
| Oct 11 | Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar designated Ramlila Ground, Burari Ground and CBD Ground as alternative venues. |
| Oct 12 | De-notification announced; CJP submitted a letter seeking permission for a peaceful protest. |
| Oct 15 | Supreme Court bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi issued notice to the Centre to explain the decision. |
Official Statements & Responses
- Tushar Mehta, Solicitor General, told the Supreme Court the committee’s pre-existing report formed the basis of the de-notification.
- Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi asked whether authorities had considered Jantar Mantar’s importance as a protest venue.
- Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar said a revised SOP for the new sites will be issued separately.
- Senior Advocate Mukta Gupta argued that moving protests to distant locations could dilute the right to peaceful assembly, citing the 2018 Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan judgment.
Criticism & Opposition
- The IYC, led by Uday Bhanu Chib, demanded restoration of Jantar Mantar, an inquiry into alleged police brutality, and Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation.
- NSUI called for an FIR against the “assault” on its women members.
- SFI and DYFI staged a joint march, raising slogans such as “Reclaim Jantar Mantar” and “Gyanesh Kumar must resign.”
On-the-Ground Reports
Protesters from IYC, NSUI, SFI, DYFI and CJP attempted to reach Jantar Mantar via Patel Chowk and Feroz Shah Road. Police barricades halted them; video showed activists scaling an iron gate before being chased and detained. Slogans like “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” and “Inquilab Zindabaad” echoed as officers intervened. Several detainees were taken to Jaffarpur Kalan Police Station; others were reportedly held at undisclosed locations.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Detention figures differ: police cite at least 50, the IYC reports hundreds, and the CJP mentions 11 arrests.
- The Centre has not released a detailed SOP for the three new protest venues, creating uncertainty about procedural requirements for future demonstrations.
What’s Next
The Supreme Court will review the Centre’s written explanation of the de-notification and the adequacy of the alternative venues before deciding whether to restore Jantar Mantar’s status. Opposition groups have pledged to continue “peaceful” agitations at the newly designated sites while awaiting the revised SOP.