Delhi Police has designated three new sites for holding protests and demonstrations in the national capital – Ramlila Ground, Burari Ground and CBD Ground in east Delhi – while de-notifying Jantar Mantar as a protest venue.
The decision was taken based on the recommendations of a committee constituted by the Union home ministry to examine alternative venues for citizens to exercise their right to organise protests and demonstrations. The decision comes at a time when Opposition parties, civil society groups such as the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), and student organisations including the All India Students’ Association (AISA) and the Students’ Federation of India (SFI) are planning protests and marches around Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. The site has emerged as a focal point for demonstrations seeking the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, with CJP, the Congress and other INDIA bloc parties among those mobilising against him. Jantar Mantar has been a focal point of youth-led protests since June this year, with demonstrations spearheaded by the CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke. The protests over alleged examination irregularities eventually led to the resignation of union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Delhi Police said detailed and revised standard operating procedures (SOPs) for organising protests at the three designated sites would be issued separately.
