New Delhi, October 2026 : Delhi Police on Monday announced that Jantar Mantar has been de-notified as the designated venue for protests and demonstrations in the national capital. Under revised guidelines issued through Delhi Police Standing Order No. L&O/48/2026, three alternative locations have been designated for public protests.
The decision follows recommendations made by a committee constituted by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to examine suitable alternative venues for citizens to exercise their right to organise protests and demonstrations.
In an official statement, Delhi Police said the committee had been tasked with identifying appropriate locations to replace the existing designated protest site.
“Based on the Committee's recommendations, Jantar Mantar as a protest venue has been de-notified,” the statement said.
The three locations identified for protests are Ramlila Ground, Burari Ground and CBD Ground in East Delhi. Delhi Police said detailed and revised standard operating procedures (SOPs) governing the organisation of demonstrations at these venues would be issued separately.
The new order partially modifies the earlier Standing Order No. L&O/48/22, dated April 28, 2022, which governed arrangements for protests and demonstrations.
The announcement comes amid heightened political activity in Delhi, with the Congress-led INDIA bloc planning a march towards the Supreme Court over the Election Commission of India's (ECI) Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Opposition parties have raised allegations of irregularities in the exercise and demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
The change in the designated protest venue comes as security arrangements have remained in place around Jantar Mantar. Barricades were seen blocking access roads to the area on Sunday, while police personnel were deployed at key intersections to regulate movement and prevent unauthorised gatherings.
The revised guidelines are expected to determine how demonstrations are organised at the three newly designated locations. Further details regarding permissions, crowd management and other operational requirements are expected to be outlined in the separate SOPs.
Meanwhile, Delhi Traffic Police issued an advisory warning commuters of possible traffic disruptions across New Delhi and central Delhi on Monday in view of the Opposition's planned demonstration.
According to the advisory, restrictions and diversions may be imposed at around 30 locations to regulate traffic and maintain security during the protest-related activities.
Among the major roads and intersections likely to be affected are the Dhaula Kuan flyover, Jhandewalan, Patel Chowk, Panchkuian, Connaught Place, Mandi House, Lodhi Road flyover, Bhikaji Cama Place and Moti Bagh flyover.
Commuters may also face delays or restrictions along Jantar Mantar Road, Ashoka Road, Sansad Marg and Tolstoy Marg.
Delhi Traffic Police has advised motorists to plan their journeys accordingly and remain alert to traffic updates and diversions. The advisory is intended to help manage vehicle movement and minimise inconvenience as security arrangements are strengthened in parts of the capital.
With Jantar Mantar no longer designated as the official protest venue, Ramlila Ground, Burari Ground and CBD Ground will serve as the alternative locations under the revised framework. Detailed procedures for organising demonstrations at these sites are expected to be announced separately.
(Disclaimer :The content of this article is sourced from a news agency and has not been edited by the Mavericknews30 team.)
