Delhi Police bar protests at Jantar Mantar, fix Ramlila Maidan, Burari and CB grounds instead
Delhi Police have issued new guidelines under which protests will be permitted only at three designated sites, on the recommendation of a Home Ministry committee.
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The Union Home Ministry has taken a major decision on protests at Jantar Mantar. No one will now be allowed to hold a protest there. Delhi Police have issued new guidelines for protests. The decision has been taken on the recommendation of a Home Ministry committee.
Delhi Police said the Union Home Ministry had constituted a committee. Its task was to identify suitable places, other than the existing "designated place", where citizens could hold protests. According to the police, protests can no longer be held at Jantar Mantar on the basis of the committee's recommendation.
Under the new arrangement, protests, whether by opposition groups or ordinary citizens, will be permitted at only three places: Ramlila Maidan, Burari Maidan and CB Maidan (East Delhi). A detailed and revised SOP (standard operating procedure) for protests at these three places will be issued later. The Delhi Police order is a partial modification of the earlier standing order dated April 28, 2022.
Located in the heart of Delhi, Jantar Mantar has always been a favourite place for protesters and agitators. Recently, the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) tried to hold a protest at Jantar Mantar demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The police and administration took several steps to stop the protest. Delhi Police detained CJP chief Abhijeet Dipke, Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka before they could reach Jantar Mantar.
Because of this protest, the Delhi government had to shut around 45 metro stations. Several trains were also cancelled. The general public also faced hardship. Considering the inconvenience caused to citizens by repeated protests at Jantar Mantar, the government has decided to change the venue.
Meanwhile, on Monday the Delhi Traffic Police cautioned commuters about likely disruptions in New Delhi and Central Delhi. According to the guidelines, barricading and route diversions have been put in place at around 30 locations to manage traffic and maintain security during the proposed protest by opposition parties.
Several major roads and intersections may be affected, including Dhaula Kuan flyover, Jhandewalan, Patel Chowk, Panchkuian, Connaught Place, Mandi House, Lodhi Road flyover, Bhikaji Cama Place and Moti Bagh flyover. Commuters may also face stoppages or delays on Jantar Mantar Road, Ashoka Road, Sansad Marg and Tolstoy Marg.
