The trio had gathered at the historic square early Tuesday, intending to raise the national flag as a symbol of civic protest. When the Delhi Police, citing the recent denotification of Jantar Mantar as a public protest site, closed the cordon, the activists were detained and escorted to a police station.
Dipke blasted the move as "dictatorial", accusing the government of treating public spaces as private property. He said Jantar Mantar belongs to the 140‑crore Indians and that hoisting the tricolor there is a legitimate act of resistance.
In a post on X, Dipke demanded that the police allow the detainees to consult lawyers, citing an earlier incident where he was held for 24 hours without legal access. He threatened to keep hoisting the flag until the Chief Election Commissioner steps down.
Ashutosh Ranka, one of the detained activists, posted a brief message reading "Hands Off Jantar Mantar" after the incident. The group had already been planning a sustained campaign to pressure the CEC.
The Delhi Police have yet to confirm whether the three activists will face charges. The CJP plans to stage daily flag‑hoisting sessions until the resignation demand is met.