Political Row Erupts Over Delhi Police Decision Scrapping Jantar Mantar As Protest Venue Delhi Police has removed Jantar Mantar from the list of approved protest sites and named three new locations, triggering sharp backlash from CJP leaders. A major political controversy has erupted in the national capital following the Delhi Police's decision to remove Jantar Mantar from the official list of designated protest venues. The Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) strongly condemned the movement, alleging that the government is attempting to suppress public dissent and erode citizens' constitutional right to peaceful assembly. CJP's Sharp Backlash and Civil Liberty Concerns Addressing the administrative move, CJP founder Abhijit Dipke criticized the government on social media platform X, arguing that shifting the location will not restrict the spirit of public agitations. Dipke wrote, "Now the whole country will become Jantar Mantar!" He alleged that the authorities had already transformed the venue into a heavily restricted area, adding that removing iconic spaces threatens core democratic principles. Echoing these sentiments, CJP leader Saurav Das questioned whether the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) consulted ordinary citizens, civil society groups, or relevant stakeholders before enacting the policy. Describing the choice as arbitrary, Das expressed serious concern over its impact on fundamental freedoms. He questioned why Narendra Modi appeared uneasy with assemblies at Jantar Mantar, emphasizing that public spaces belong to the citizens of India. Taking a satirical jab at the alternative arrangements offered by the authorities, CJP leader Ashutosh Ranka mockingly suggested that officials might as well declare Mount Everest as a designated protest venue, highlighting how moving protest sites away from central Delhi dilutes their visibility. New Designated Sites and Administrative Details Under the official order released by law enforcement authorities, three alternative locations have been allocated for future public demonstrations and rallies • Ramlila Maidan • Burari Ground • CBD Ground in East Delhi The directive follows recommendations submitted by a specialized committee set up by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs to identify suitable assembly areas in the capital. A notice issued by Delhi Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar stated that a revised Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) outlining operational guidelines for assemblies at the new grounds will be released separately. This order partially modifies the earlier standing order dated 28 April 2022. Timing Amid Electoral Roll Controversy The decision coincides with heightened political activity and ongoing demonstrations directed against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Opposition parties and civic organizations had been mobilizing public rallies in central Delhi regarding these election issues. While administration officials maintain that shifting venues away from the central city zone is necessary to alleviate traffic congestion and manage urban security, critics argue that displacing protest spaces to the periphery undermines the effectiveness of public protest in a democratic setup. What this means for you The relocation of approved protest sites will directly influence public demonstration protocols and urban traffic management in the national capital. • Across India: Civil rights groups and political outfits planning national-level demonstrations in the capital will now have to re-evaluate their protest logistics. Shifting designated spaces sets a precedent for how public agitations are regulated across major urban centers. • In Delhi: Disallowing assemblies at Jantar Mantar is expected to ease daily traffic congestion in central Delhi's Lutyens zone. However, organizers holding rallies at Ramlila Maidan, Burari Ground, or CBD Ground in East Delhi must now navigate updated guidelines and alternative transit arrangements. Why this happened The administrative reallocation was undertaken by the Ministry of Home Affairs and Delhi Police to balance civic convenience with security requirements. • Administrative Recommendations: A specialized committee formed by the Home Ministry evaluated traffic disruptions and security bottlenecks caused by frequent gatherings in central Delhi. It recommended moving public assemblies to larger, dedicated sites. • Revised Directives: The notification issued by Delhi Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar partially modifies an earlier standing order from 28 April 2022. It aims to establish updated Standard Operating Procedures for crowd management. • Political Friction: The timing of the decision coincides with opposition demonstrations targeting Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, leading critics to view the move as an attempt to curb political dissent. Questions & Answers 1. Why was Jantar Mantar removed as an official protest site? Delhi Police removed it based on recommendations from a Home Ministry committee focused on managing traffic flow and urban security. 2. What are the three new designated protest locations in Delhi? The newly designated protest venues are Ramlila Maidan, Burari Ground, and CBD Ground in East Delhi. 3. How did CJP leaders respond to the announcement? CJP leadership condemned the decision, arguing that restricting protest spaces undermines fundamental democratic rights. 4. Which existing regulation does this new order modify? The notice issued by Delhi Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar partially amends a previous standing order dated 28 April 2022. 5. What ongoing political events coincided with this order? The decision came amidst agitations against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter rolls. https://trendkia.com/en/politics/delhi-men-jantar-mantar-ko-pradarshana-sthala-se-hatane-para-bharaka-vivada-cjp-ne-sarakara-ko-ghera-47006 TrendKia — Har trend, sabse pehle.