Jantar Mantar locked out as protest site; Ramlila Maidan, Burari Ground and CBD Ground namesdesignated sites

New Delhi: Delhi Police has on Monday denotified Jantar Mantar as a designated site for protests and named three new spots for holding such demonstrations, after the Union home ministry constituted a committee to study alternative protest sites.

Delhi Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar issued the standing order on October 11, naming Ramlila Maidan, Burari Ground and CBD Ground as the new designated sites for protests and demonstrations.

While Ramlila Ground is 4 km away from the current site, the CBD Ground is 12-13 km and Burari Ground is nearly 21 km away. "Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, had constituted a committee to examine alternative proper venues for citizens' right to organise protest/demonstrations in place of the existing 'designated site'," the order read.

Jantar Mantar as a protest venue has been denotified based on the committee's recommendations, it said. "Three new venues -- Ramlila Ground, Burari Ground and CBD Ground, East Delhi -- have been designated as new venues for organising protests/ demonstrations," it said.

The order said a detailed and revised SOP for organising protests and demonstrations at these three venues will be issued separately. "This is in partial modification of the earlier Standing Order dated April 28, 2022," the standing order issued by Delhi CP said.

The move comes amid heightened security arrangements in the national capital, following calls for protests at Jantar Mantar by the Cockroach Janta Party and opposition leaders. On Monday, CJP leaders Ashutosh Ranka and Saurav Das visited Parliament Street police station to demand a fresh date for holding a peaceful protest at Jantar Mantar.

New Delhi district was virtually in a lockdown in recent days after authorities refused permission for protests, causing inconvenience to office-goers, commuters and others. New Delhi district is considered a sensitive area as it houses Parliament and several important government and private offices, along with the residences of the president, prime minister, ministers and other prominent dignitaries.

Police personnel are also deployed to prevent protesters from entering restricted areas, maintain public order and ensure the safety of government buildings and other sensitive establishments.

No Free Dates Till Year-End

Meanwhile, Ramlila Maidan has no free dates for the next two and a half months. Only December 29, 30 and 31 are open for booking, according to officials. Civic officials clarified that a small portion of the ground is free for protests and gatherings, but it has a capacity of only 150 people.