Jantar Mantar denotified as protest site, Delhi designates three new venues

The Delhi Police on Monday denotified Jantar Mantar as a venue for protests and demonstrations and designated Ramlila Ground, Burari Ground and CBD Ground in East Delhi as the three new sites.

The move is based on the recommendations of a committee constituted by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to examine alternative venues for citizens to exercise their right to organise protests and demonstrations in place of the existing designated site.

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In a notice issued by Delhi Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar, the police stated, "Based on the Committee's recommendations, Jantar Mantar as a protest venue has been de-notified."

A detailed and revised Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for organising protests at the three venues will be issued separately. The notice partially modifies Standing Order No. L&O/48/22 dated April 28, 2022.

The decision comes as leaders and MPs of the Opposition INDIA bloc march from Connaught Place in central Delhi against the Election Commission.

Reacting to the move, CJP said it does not accept the decision. “We don’t accept this arbitrary decision; it’s an assault on people’s right to protest.”

INDIA bloc steps up agitation

The Opposition leaders launched the march to intensify their agitation against the Election Commission over alleged electoral manipulation and subversion of democratic institutions.

Congress General Secretary (Organisation) KC Venugopal called the agitation the "biggest andolan" against the poll panel and said the party is taking its fight to the Supreme Court.

"Narendra Modi and Amit Shah are using the Chief Election Commissioner as their tool to destroy the democracy of this country," Venugopal said.

He said the Opposition will fight on both political and legal fronts. "For the last one week, we are on the streets. Today also we are going to be on the streets, and we are going to file a petition in the Supreme Court also," he said. Venugopal added that the Supreme Court has told them its registry is ready to receive the petition between 10 am and 4 pm.

Congress MP Renuka Chowdhury condemned the police action at the protest. "This brute force here and declaring us unlawful is a clear show of violation of anything that is constitutional and disrespect to the Supreme Court which this government is showing," she said.

Former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said, "We are demanding justice, nothing else. This is for people, for humankind, for justice."

High security in central Delhi

Barricades have been put up at multiple locations in central Delhi. Security personnel have been deployed at Barakhamba Road, near Mandi House. Rapid Action Force (RAF) and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel are stationed along with Delhi Police.

Entry and exit at six metro stations will remain closed from 6 am to 4 pm today for security reasons. These are Patel Chowk, Janpath, Rajiv Chowk, Mandi House, Central Secretariat and Barakhamba Road.