Delhi Police has withdrawn Jantar Mantar’s status as a designated protest site and named three alternative venues for demonstrations in the national capital.
The police announced the decision on Monday under new guidelines issued through Delhi Police Standing Order No. L&O/48/2026.
According to the Delhi Police, the decision follows recommendations from a committee constituted by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs to identify suitable alternative venues for public protests and demonstrations.
“The Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, had constituted a Committee to examine alternative proper venues for citizens’ right for organising protest/demonstrations in place of the existing ‘designated site’,” the official statement said.
The police added that the committee’s recommendations prompted the authorities to withdraw Jantar Mantar’s status as a designated protest venue.
The revised guidelines identify three locations for future protests: Ramlila Ground, Burari Ground and CBD Ground in East Delhi.
The Delhi Police said it would issue a detailed, revised standard operating procedure (SOP) for organising protests and demonstrations at these three venues separately. The new order partially modifies Standing Order No. L&O/48/22, dated April 28, 2022.
The announcement comes amid political tensions in the national capital over the Election Commission of India (ECI). The Congress-led INDIA bloc had planned a march towards the Supreme Court to protest against the poll body and demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise.
Meanwhile, the Delhi Police continued security arrangements around Jantar Mantar. Police personnel remained stationed at key intersections, while barricades blocked access roads to the area on Sunday to regulate movement and prevent unauthorised gatherings.
The Delhi Traffic Police also warned commuters about possible disruptions across New Delhi and central Delhi on Monday as authorities prepared for the Opposition’s planned demonstration.
According to the traffic advisory, the police may impose restrictions or divert traffic at around 30 locations to maintain security and manage congestion during the protest.
Several major roads and intersections could experience delays, including 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 encounter restrictions or delays along Jantar Mantar Road, Ashoka Road, Sansad Marg and Tolstoy Marg.
The Delhi Police has advised commuters to account for possible traffic disruptions and plan their journeys accordingly as security arrangements and traffic management measures continue across the capital.