Delhi Police Redefines Protest Venues, Sparks Controversy
Change in Designated Protest Sites
File image of CJP protest against paper leaks in Jantar Mantar, New Delhi. (Photo: 'X'/@CJP_for_India)
New Delhi, Oct 12: The Delhi Police has officially removed Jantar Mantar from its list of designated protest locations, introducing three new sites for public demonstrations.
On October 11, Delhi Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar announced that Ramlila Maidan, Burari Ground, and CBD Ground in East Delhi will now serve as the primary venues for protests.
The order stated, "The Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, had formed a committee to identify suitable alternative locations for citizens to exercise their right to protest, replacing the previously designated site."
Additionally, a new standard operating procedure (SOP) for organizing protests at these new locations will be released separately. This decision modifies an earlier directive from April 28, 2022.
This change comes in response to increased security measures in the capital, following calls for protests at Jantar Mantar.
The Congress party has criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, claiming that this decision undermines democratic rights.
Jairam Ramesh, Congress's general secretary for communications, labeled the move as indicative of “extreme panic,” emphasizing that Jantar Mantar has historically been a platform for citizens to voice their grievances against authority.
“The toxic duo is under siege, and we have witnessed their harsh treatment of peaceful protests in recent days,” Ramesh remarked on social media.
The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has also voiced its opposition to this decision. Co-convener Saurav Das described the change as “unacceptable” and questioned whether the Ministry of Home Affairs consulted with citizens or organizations prior to this alteration.
“Mark my words - just as they are removing Jantar Mantar from the list of protest sites, the prime minister will soon undermine democracy in India. This action is a step towards that,” Das stated.
A Legacy of Protest
For many years, Jantar Mantar has been a significant site for public demonstrations in the capital, hosting protests on various issues including corruption, women's safety, and racial discrimination.
In 2011, social activist Anna Hazare initiated a five-day hunger strike at this location, advocating for a stronger Jan Lokpal Bill to combat corruption.
Following the tragic gang rape of a young woman on a moving bus in December 2012, Jantar Mantar became a central hub for protests, as the victim, known as Nirbhaya, succumbed to her injuries, igniting nationwide outrage.
The site also witnessed protests in 2014 after the death of Nido Tania, a student from Arunachal Pradesh, who was allegedly assaulted in southeast Delhi, leading to demonstrations against racial discrimination and violence against individuals from the Northeast.
Dr. Pranav Raj Singh, a resident of Delhi who participated in the protests after the Nirbhaya incident, shared his emotional response as a teenager, stating, “I was horrified to learn that such a terrible event could occur in the capital. When the protests began, I felt compelled to join in. My friends and I went to Jantar Mantar to take a stand.”
Rani Sharma, who was involved in the Anna Hazare movement, expressed concern that the removal of Jantar Mantar's status as a designated protest site would limit the avenues available for dissent.
She emphasized that the location's closeness to the centers of power made it a vital space for citizens to express their concerns and hold the government accountable. “The proximity of Jantar Mantar to the highest offices of the government makes it an ideal venue for raising one's voice. Its removal is a suppression of dissenting opinions,” she remarked.