The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) strongly criticised the Delhi Police’s decision to remove Jantar Mantar from the list of designated protest venues, calling it an “assault on people’s fundamental right
to protest and peaceful assembly”.
In a strongly worded statement, CJP questioned why Prime Minister Narendra Modi was “scared of Jantar Mantar” and challenged the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to clarify whether citizens, organisations or other stakeholders had been consulted before the decision was taken.
“Unacceptable. Why is Narendra Modi scared of Jantar Mantar?” the statement said, asserting that the prominent protest site belongs to the people of India.
“Did the Ministry of Home Affairs consult with the people of India? Were any stakeholders consulted? Were any organisations consulted?” it asked.
CJP also warned against what it described as an arbitrary decision, alleging that the move threatened democratic freedoms.
“Take it in writing- just how they are denotifying people’s Jantar Mantar, the Prime Minister will soon denotify democracy in India. This move is a step towards that,” the statement said.
“We do not accept this arbitrary decision. It is an assault on people’s fundamental right to protest and peaceful assembly,” it added.
Jantar Mantar Removed From List Of Designated Protest Sites
Under Delhi Police Standing Order No. L&O/48/2026, Jantar Mantar will no longer be a designated venue for demonstrations in the national capital. The revised guidelines identify three alternative locations for protests: Ramlila Maidan, Burari Maidan and CBD Ground in East Delhi. The decision follows recommendations by a committee constituted by the Ministry of Home Affairs and partially modifies an earlier standing order dated April 28, 2022.
The Delhi Police has said separate standard operating procedures (SOPs) and detailed guidelines governing demonstrations at the three newly designated venues will be issued subsequently.
The change in designated protest venues comes after the Supreme Court asked the Centre and Delhi authorities to identify an alternative location for demonstrations, with better facilities for protesters.
