Cockroach Janta Party Slams Decision to Remove Jantar Mantar as Protest Site

The Cockroach Janta Party has strongly opposed the government's move to remove Jantar Mantar as a designated location for public protests in the national capital. Party co-convener Saurav Das called the decision unacceptable and criticized the authorities for making an arbitrary choice without public consultation.

Official Order

Delhi Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar issued an order on October 11 to remove Jantar Mantar as a protest venue. The order designated three new alternative locations for demonstrations, which are Ramlila Maidan, Burari Ground, and CBD Ground in east Delhi. This action took place alongside increased security measures in Delhi following calls for protests at Jantar Mantar.

Criticisms and Reactions

Mr. Das questioned why the Prime Minister is afraid of Jantar Mantar and asked if the Ministry of Home Affairs consulted citizens or groups before the decision. He warned that the step is an attack on the fundamental right to peaceful assembly and claimed the government will soon try to denotify democracy itself. He added that his party rejects the order completely and stated that the entire country is turning into Jantar Mantar.

Context

Jantar Mantar has long served as a central public space for demonstrations, unions, and citizens voicing grievances in the national capital. Changes to designated protest zones often raise debates about civil liberties, public order, and the space available for democratic expression in major cities.