Indian Politics
Delhi’s Jantar Mantar de-notified as protest site; three new venues designated
New Delhi, October 12, 2026 — The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has de-notified Jantar Mantar as a designated protest site in the national capital. Protests and demonstrations will now be permitted only at three alternative venues: Ramlila Ground, Burari Ground, and CBD Ground in East Delhi.
The decision follows recommendations of a committee set up by the Home Ministry to identify suitable alternative locations where citizens can exercise their right to organise protests and demonstrations in place of the existing designated site. Delhi Police issued a standing order on October 11 partially modifying its earlier Standing Order No. L&O/48/22 dated April 28, 2022. Delhi Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar issued the order. Detailed and revised standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the three new venues will be issued separately.
According to the Divya Bhaskar report, the move was taken for security reasons and is also expected to ease traffic congestion in central Delhi. Protests at Jantar Mantar have frequently led to the closure of surrounding roads, traffic advisories, and disruption to nearby hospitals and schools. Officials indicated that shifting designated protest activity away from the heart of the capital should reduce these difficulties for residents.
Jantar Mantar, located close to Parliament House, has for decades served as Delhi’s primary authorised protest site. It hosted numerous major agitations over the years. Earlier attempts to restrict or relocate protests there—including a 2017 National Green Tribunal direction and subsequent Supreme Court observations—had not permanently removed its status. The latest change comes amid heightened security considerations and recent demonstrations in the area, including protests related to the Election Commission of India.
With the de-notification effective, organisers seeking permission for protests or dharnas will have to apply for the three newly designated grounds. Authorities have said the revised SOPs will spell out the detailed rules, capacity limits, and permission procedures for these sites.
The detailed SOPs for the new protest sites have not been issued yet.According to the Delhi Police standing order (No. L&O/48/2026, dated 11 October 2026, issued by Commissioner Anurag Kumar) and consistent reporting from ANI, Hindustan Times, Outlook, Deccan Chronicle, and others, the Ministry of Home Affairs committee’s recommendations led to the de-notification of Jantar Mantar.
The order designates three new venues:- Ramlila Ground (Ramlila Maidan)- Burari Ground- CBD Ground, East DelhiIt explicitly states that Detailed and revised SOP for organising protest/demonstrations at these three venues will be issued separately.”
This is a partial modification of the earlier Standing Order No. L&O/48/22 (dated 28 April 2022).
What is known so far- The new standing order only changes the list of designated sites. It does not contain the full procedural rules, capacity limits, application process, time restrictions, or other conditions for the three new venues.- Delhi Police’s website lists a 11 October 2026 standing order titled “Guidelines for holding Protest or demonstration in Delhi,” but the full text is not publicly linked or detailed in the available reports.
Previous framework (still the reference until new SOPs appear)Under the 2022 order (issued in compliance with the Supreme Court’s 2018 judgment in *Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan v. Union of India*), the general rules included:- Prior written permission/NOC from the concerned Deputy Commissioner of Police (usually submitted at least 10 days in advance).- Capacity-based allocation: up to ~1,000 people at Jantar Mantar; 1,000–50,000 at Ramlila Maidan; larger gatherings at Burari.- Conditions such as no unauthorised processions/marches toward sensitive areas (including a ban in the Central Vista/India Gate zone), peaceful assembly and dispersal only, and the possibility of revocation for security or law-and-order reasons.- Organisers must provide details of expected crowd size, timing, speakers, and liaison persons.
Recent NOCs for events at Ramlila Ground (before this change) have imposed specific limits—e.g., maximum numbers, end times, no overnight stays, and no processions—on a case-by-case basis.Until Delhi Police publishes the revised SOPs, exact rules on capacity, booking/application procedures, timing windows, security requirements, and other conditions for the three new sites remain unavailable. Organisers will need to apply through the relevant district DCP and await the detailed guidelines.
