Jantar Mantar No Longer Designated Protest Site, Delhi Police Names Three New Venues

October 12, 2026

New Delhi: The Delhi Police on Monday removed Jantar Mantar from the list of officially designated protest sites. The police have issued new guidelines for organizing protests. These guidelines were issued under Delhi Police Standing Order No. L&O/48/2026.

According to the Delhi Police, this decision was taken based on the recommendations of a committee constituted by the Union Home Ministry. This committee was tasked with identifying suitable locations as alternatives to Jantar Mantar, keeping in mind the right of citizens to hold protests and sit-ins.

An official statement from the Delhi Police said, “The Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, had constituted a committee to examine suitable alternative locations in place of the existing designated site, keeping in mind the right of citizens to hold protests.”

The statement further stated that based on the committee’s recommendations, Jantar Mantar has been removed from the list of designated protest sites.

Three new locations designated for protests

Three new locations have now been designated for holding protests in Delhi. These include Ramlila Maidan, Burari Maidan, and the CBD Ground in East Delhi.

Delhi Police stated that revised Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for holding protests and dharnas at these three locations will be issued separately. This change is a partial amendment to Standing Order No. L&O/48/22 issued on April 28, 2022.

Decision amid planned protests against the Election Commission

This decision comes amid ongoing protests against the Election Commission of India (ECI) in the national capital.

The Congress-led opposition INDIA alliance had planned to march to the Supreme Court to protest against the Election Commission. Opposition parties demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar. The opposition has raised questions about alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) campaign of the voter list.

Meanwhile, security arrangements continued around Jantar Mantar, the designated protest site in the national capital. Barricades were erected on roads leading to the area on Sunday. Police remained deployed at major intersections to regulate traffic and prevent unauthorized gatherings.

Traffic disruptions expected in New Delhi and Central Delhi

The Delhi Traffic Police on Monday warned of traffic disruptions in several areas of New Delhi and Central Delhi. According to an advisory, restrictions or diversions may be implemented at approximately 30 locations to ensure traffic management and safety during the proposed opposition protest.

Major roads and intersections likely to be affected include the Dhaula Kuan flyover, Jhandewalan, Patel Chowk, Panchkuian, Connaught Place, Mandi House, Lodi Road flyover, Bhikaji Cama Place, and Moti Bagh flyover.

Additionally, commuters may face restrictions or delays on Jantar Mantar Road, Ashoka Road, Parliament Street, and Tolstoy Marg. Traffic police advise people to consider these potential changes when planning their travels.