New Delhi, November 3, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Delhi Police have told the Supreme Court that the decision to de-notify Jantar Mantar as a designated protest site was taken after assessing changing ground realities, public safety concerns and recommendations of a committee constituted by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
In a counter affidavit filed in response to a petition challenging the decision, Delhi Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar said the move was taken independently and was not prompted by the Supreme Court’s October 9 order. He said the proposal to shift the designated protest venue had been under consideration by the Central government for a considerable period.
The MHA constituted a committee on August 26, 2026, to assess the suitability of Jantar Mantar as a protest site and identify alternatives. Its report was received in September and forwarded to the Police Commissioner on September 14.
The affidavit said Jantar Mantar witnessed more than 1,300 protests annually, frequently affecting traffic, crowd management, emergency access and security around sensitive installations. The venue had an assessed capacity of around 1,500 people, while the number of protesters on July 20, 2026, had far exceeded that limit, raising concerns over a possible stampede.
Kumar also highlighted that 78 foreign embassies, diplomatic missions and international organisation offices were located within a 3-4 km radius. Another 99 Central government offices, ministries and autonomous institutions, including the Reserve Bank of India, were situated nearby, with a combined daily footfall of around 1.46 lakh people.
The affidavit further cited traffic disruptions affecting commercial establishments and Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, particularly the movement of patients and ambulances.
According to the Police Commissioner, the MHA committee unanimously concluded that Jantar Mantar Road was no longer suitable for protests. It recommended Ramlila Maidan in Central Delhi, CBD Ground in East Delhi and Burari Ground in North-West Delhi as alternative venues after assessing safety, traffic, emergency response and security requirements.
Delhi Police argued that the right to protest must be balanced against the rights of other citizens to earn a livelihood, conduct business and move freely. The affidavit maintained that protesters could not claim an exclusive right to a particular venue and urged the Supreme Court not to interfere with the administrative decision.
FOLLOW NOW
