New Delhi: The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has taken a surprising decision regarding Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, a site that has served as an arena for protests ranging from the NEET exam agitation to the recent standoff with the Election Commission over EVMs. The Ministry has removed Jantar Mantar from the list of designated protest sites.
Based on recommendations from a Ministry of Home Affairs committee, the ministry has identified new protest locations in Delhi. Anyone wishing to stage a protest will now have to use the New Ramlila Maidan, Burari Maidan, or CBD Maidan; these sites have been designated for demonstrations. Consequently, the notification designating Jantar Mantar as a protest venue has been revoked.
New Delhi Police Order
The Delhi Police’s new order has come as a surprise to many. It introduces slight modifications to the standing order issued on April 28, 2022. The objective of these new rules is to clarify the designated protest sites and the associated arrangements. The full procedure, including details on permissions, crowd limits, and other conditions, will become clear once the specific rules are issued separately.
Why did the government remove Jantar Mantar as a protest site?
According to the official order, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs had constituted a committee to identify alternative protest sites to replace Jantar Mantar. After inspecting various locations, the committee submitted its recommendations. Based on these recommendations, the decision was made to remove Jantar Mantar from the list of designated protest venues.
For a long time, Jantar Mantar has been a major hub for protests by political parties, social organisations, and the general public in Delhi, hosting demonstrations and sit-ins on a wide range of issues. The order states that a separate Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) will be issued for the new arrangement. This SOP is expected to provide clear information regarding protest permissions, the organisation process, and other essential regulations.
INDIA bloc stages massive protest in Delhi
Political, social, and student organisations are seen continuously protesting against the Election Commission. Leaders from across the INDIA bloc are marching from Barakhamba to the Supreme Court. Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, is also participating in this march. Police and paramilitary personnel have been deployed at every nook and corner.
The Cockroach Janata Party has also called for a major protest to be held in 24 hours. The CJP has sought permission from the Delhi Police to stage the protest within this timeframe. If permission is not granted, the CJP will take to the streets of Delhi on its own initiative to launch a vigorous agitation demanding the resignation of Gyanesh Kumar.
