Delhi de-notifies Jantar Mantar as designated protest site, names three new venues

Why it matters

Delhi Police on Monday (Oct 12) announced the de-notification of Jantar Mantar as the “designated” protest site. Delhi Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar issued Standing Order No. L&O/48/2026 — “Guideline for Holding Protests/Demonstrations in Delhi” — designating Ramlila Maidan, Burari Ground and East Delhi's CBD Ground as the new venues. The decision follows recommendations of a committee constituted by India's Ministry of Home Affairs to find alternative venues for citizens' right to protest.

A detailed and revised SOP for protests at the three new venues will be issued separately; the order partially modifies the earlier Standing Order L&O/48/22 dated April 28, 2022. LiveLaw reported that last week the Supreme Court asked the Centre to consider an alternative venue, and Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said the competent authority would consider designating a place other than Jantar Mantar for peaceful protests, asking for the statement to be recorded.

The move comes amid a protest wave in the capital: the opposition INDIA bloc marched to the Supreme Court on Monday to protest alleged electoral roll manipulation (SIR) by the Election Commission and demand the resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner; entry and exit at six central Delhi metro stations were closed from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. Police maintained deployments and barricades around Jantar Mantar.

Sources: LiveLaw, The Hindu BusinessLine (citing PTI), IANS, Mint, Oct 12, 2026; Delhi Police Standing Order L&O/48/2026.