After 33 years, cops bar all protests at Jantar Mantar; 3 new venues designated amid anti-CEC stirs The move follows years of legal scrutiny and comes days after the Supreme Court called for a larger venue with basic facilities for demonstrators. Updated on: Oct 13, 2026, 08:08:54 IST By Hemani Bhandari Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy link
After 33 years, cops bar all protests at Jantar Mantar; 3 new venues designated amid anti-CEC stirs
Delhi Police have barred all protests at Jantar Mantar after 33 years and designated three new venues for demonstrations. The decision comes after years of legal scrutiny and follows a recent Supreme Court observation calling for a larger protest site equipped with basic facilities for demonstrators, amid ongoing protests against the Chief Election Commissioner.
NAI summary30-second read
What happened
Delhi Police have banned all protests at Jantar Mantar after 33 years, moving demonstrations to three new locations following a Supreme Court directive.
Why it matters
Jantar Mantar has been the historic heart of protests in India for over three decades, and banning demonstrations here means the common citizen and activist groups will now have to voice their grievances at unfamiliar, newly designated outskirts. This directly impacts your democratic right to assemble and make your voice heard by those in power.
Impact
Demonstrators will shift to the three newly designated venues, likely leading to logistical challenges, lower visibility for protests, and potential pushback from civil society groups regarding accessibility.
Read the full story at Hindustan Times.
