Delhi Police relocates official protest sites from Jantar Mantar entirely

Delhi Police has officially denotified Jantar Mantar as an authorized location for demonstrations. Authorities have instead designated three alternative spaces across the capital for public gatherings. This decision follows a recent standoff involving members of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) over permissions for a peaceful demonstration.

According to a standing order signed by Delhi Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar on October 11, 2026, the newly approved spaces are Ramlila Ground in Old Delhi, CBD Ground in East Delhi, and Burari Ground in North Delhi. These venues sit 3 kilometers, 13.5 kilometers, and 44 kilometers away from central Delhi, respectively. This directive modifies an earlier mandate from April 28, 2022. Officials stated that revised standard operating procedures for these new locations will be issued separately.

Rising tensions and court intervention

Recent crackdowns on protesters escalated friction between the CJP and law enforcement. Party leaders demanded an official date for their planned gathering, noting they had already submitted formal intimation. CJP chief spokesperson Saurav Das warned that members would organise a march if authorities failed to respond within 24 hours. He also accused officers of using excessive force during recent detentions.

Security deployments across the city have increased in preparation for a scheduled march by the INDIA bloc. Opposition leaders are planning to approach the Supreme Court regarding allegations of irregularities in the SIR process involving Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Legal challenges regarding these spatial restrictions are currently in motion. On October 13, the Delhi High Court will evaluate a plea opposing the closure of Jantar Mantar. Petitioners argue that organizers lack immediate, viable alternative sites for peaceful assembly. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court is separately reviewing matters related to previous gatherings held on October 10 and 11.