On Oct 11 2024, Delhi Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar issued a standing order that Jantar Mantar will no longer serve as a designated protest site, replacing it with Ramlila Ground, Burari Ground and CBD Ground. This change follows a committee report from the Ministry of Home Affairs and declares the historic square a "war zone," shifting protest rights to three new venues.
The decision has drawn sharp backlash from the Cockroach Janta Party. Founder Abhijeet Dipke warned that the Modi government would soon "denotify democracy," claiming the move to curb dissent at Jantar Mantar threatens the nation's democratic fabric. Saurav Das called the step "unacceptable" and questioned why the Prime Minister fears the site. Their statements echo concerns that the state is tightening control over civil protest.
The new sites—Ramlila Ground in West Delhi, Burari Ground in North Delhi, and the City Bank Centre (CBD) Ground in East Delhi—were chosen after a review of alternative locations. Delhi Police will issue a detailed standard operating procedure for each venue, outlining timings, crowd limits and security protocols. The order supersedes the April 2022 standing order that had designated Jantar Mantar for protests.
While the government says the change aims to improve crowd management, critics argue it erodes fundamental rights. Opposition MP Shankar Prasad said the government is abandoning the principle of free assembly. Analysts warn that the move could set a precedent for further restrictions on protest spaces nationwide, especially ahead of the 2026 state elections.
The next step is a review of the SOPs, expected in the coming weeks, and a parliamentary debate scheduled for early November. Citizens now must adapt to new protest corridors, and civil society groups are calling for a public hearing on the Home Ministry’s decision.