Delhi Police Denotifies Jantar Mantar As Protest Site Amid High Demonstration Numbers

The Delhi Police have de-notified Jantar Mantar as a designated venue for protests and demonstrations, just as the site records its second-highest number of events since 2016. Located about two kilometres from Parliament, Jantar Mantar has hosted over 600 demonstration events over the past decade based on data from the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data project. The site saw more than 80 demonstration events in 2026 alone. Recent notable events include Cockroach Janta Party protests in June and October demanding the resignation of Union Minister of Education Dharmendra Pradhan and Chief Election Commissioner of India Gyanesh Kumar. The year 2026 also saw student participation reach its peak, with nearly half of the recorded demonstrations involving a high share of students.

New Venues

Following the de-notification, the Delhi Police designated three new sites to replace Jantar Mantar: Ramlila Maidan, CBD Ground, and Burari Ground. These alternative venues are located farther away from Parliament compared to Jantar Mantar. Critics and activists point out that the new locations are less accessible and less visible to lawmakers and the media. Organizing protests at Ramlila Maidan or CBD Ground can cost over a lakh per day including a security deposit, creating financial hurdles for demonstrators. Ramlila Maidan also faces heavy pre-bookings during festive seasons. Both Ramlila Maidan and CBD Ground sit near busy commercial areas and housing communities, raising concerns over how protests might affect local businesses and residents.

Context

Jantar Mantar has long served as the central focal point for public dissent and political demonstrations in the national capital due to its close physical proximity to the seat of national power. The shift to remote and paid venues alters how civic groups, farmers, and students voice grievances to the government.