Jantar Mantar no longer designated protest site: Delhi Police
New Delhi: Delhi Police on Monday de-notified Jantar Mantar as a designated protest site in the national capital, shifting demonstrations to 3 other venues.
According to an order issued by Delhi Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar, Ramlila Ground, Burari Ground and CBD Ground have been designated as the new venues for protests. The police will issue detailed, revised instructions for organising demonstrations at these locations.
The decision was based on recommendations made by a committee constituted by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
The order came amid heightened security arrangements in the national capital following calls for protests at Jantar Mantar. It was issued minutes after the Delhi High Court asked the police to decide by Tuesday on a plea filed by the Indian Youth Congress (IYC) seeking permission to hold a protest at the site.
On October 10, Delhi Police detained thousands of people who marched towards Jantar Mantar to participate in a Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) protest demanding the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
The CJP approached the Parliament Street police station on Monday to seek a fresh date for a peaceful demonstration at Jantar Mantar. The party gave the police 24 hours to respond and warned that it would intensify its protest against Kumar.
Following the CJP's call for October 10 demonstration, authorities imposed security restrictions across the national capital. Protesters were prevented from reaching Jantar Mantar on Saturday and Sunday, with police citing the absence of permission for the demonstrations.
