New Delhi:
Protests, sit-ins and demonstrations are now banned at Jantar Mantar, the historic site in the capital that has long been a centre of agitations. Delhi Police has designated three new venues for protesters. The force has issued an official circular after acting on the recommendations of a committee set up under the Union Home Ministry's direction.
Three new venues for protests Under the order issued by Delhi Police, the following three venues have been approved for political parties, social organisations, students and employees to hold protests and meetings:
Ramlila Ground
Burari Ground
CBD Ground (East Delhi)
Home Ministry set up a special committee According to the Delhi Police order, the Union Home Ministry had set up a special committee to find suitable, safe and alternative venues for protests. Its main aim was to identify alternative sites where citizens can press their demands democratically without obstructing VIP areas or traffic. Based on the committee's report and recommendations, these three venues have been fixed for protests in place of Jantar Mantar.
New rules to be announced soon The order, issued over the signature of the Delhi Police Commissioner, says that rules and separate standard operating procedures (SOP) on security and conduct of protests at the three new venues will be released soon. The order partially amends an old standing order issued on April 28, 2022.
Jantar Mantar, a centre of people's movements For decades, Jantar Mantar has been the biggest platform in the country for mass, political, labour and student movements.
Prime location: Jantar Mantar is on Sansad Marg, near Connaught Place in New Delhi.
Impact: Being close to Parliament House, Rashtrapati Bhavan, central ministries and the Prime Minister's Office, any protest held there was quickly taken note of nationally and by the media. Protesters from across the country, carrying a range of demands, used to camp there.
However, citing security concerns, frequent traffic jams in the VIP area and the need for administrative work to run smoothly, the administration has finally imposed a permanent restriction on protests at Jantar Mantar. All three grounds now designated for protests are some distance away from the busy and sensitive areas of Central Delhi.