NEW DELHI — In a landmark policy shift reshaping public assembly in the national capital, the Delhi Police has officially de-notified Jantar Mantar as a designated protest site, replacing the iconic central Delhi location with three alternative venues across the city.
According to Standing Order No. L&O/48/2026 issued by Delhi Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar, the decision follows recommendations by a Ministry of Home Affairs committee constituted to evaluate suitable grounds for public demonstrations while minimizing urban disruption.
Key Takeaways
-
Jantar Mantar De-Notified: Central Delhi’s iconic protest zone near Jantar Mantar has been officially stripped of its status as an authorized demonstration site.
-
Three Alternative Venues Designated: Public assemblies, marches, and demonstrations will now be directed to Ramlila Ground, Burari Ground, and CBD Ground in East Delhi.
-
Revision of Guidelines: The order partially modifies previous police guidelines (Standing Order No. L&O/48/22), with detailed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the new venues set to be issued separately.
Shift Away From Central Delhi Corridors
The directive—dated October 11, 2026—comes in the immediate aftermath of a turbulent weekend that saw high-profile political demonstrations, massive transit disruptions, and mass preventive detentions near Jantar Mantar and surrounding central districts.
By shifting approved protest venues to Ramlila Ground in central-north Delhi, Burari Ground in the north, and CBD Ground in Shahdara, law enforcement aims to insulate central administrative, commercial, and diplomatic zones from recurring traffic paralysis and security cordons.
Implementation and Enforcement Framework
The Standing Order instructs all senior police leadership—including Special Commissioners, Joint Commissioners, and District Deputy Commissioners—to immediately enforce the new protocol.
While a detailed SOP governing permissions, crowd limits, and security checks for the newly designated grounds is being finalized, the de-notification of Jantar Mantar provides police authorities with a formal regulatory ground to deny assembly permissions in the central corridor going forward.
