Key Takeaways
- Jantar Mantar, a long-standing site for public protests in Delhi, has been de-notified as an authorised protest venue.
- The move comes amid growing concerns over shrinking democratic space in India.
- Activists and human rights groups fear this will curb dissent and limit visibility of protests.
For over three decades, Jantar Mantar, an 18th-century observatory in central New Delhi, served as a focal point for public dissent, hosting rallies and protests from various groups including trade unions, student activists, and anti-corruption campaigners.
On Monday, Delhi Police officially de-notified Jantar Mantar as a designated protest venue, a decision that has alarmed activists and human rights groups.
The move follows a series of protests, including those led by the youth-led Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which mobilised thousands to demand the resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner over a contentious revision to electoral rolls.
While authorities have designated three alternative demonstration sites, campaigners argue that the central location and proximity to lawmakers are crucial for effective protests in India’s largest democracy.
Shabnam Hashmi, a human rights activist, stated, 'Jantar Mantar is in the centre of the town, it is connected, it is next to parliament… it was a very important space for all protests.'
The street, which became synonymous with protest after being designated a demonstration site in 1993, saw thousands of students gather there in July to challenge exam irregularities.
In a recent incident, two CJP leaders were jailed for five days for allegedly trespassing after they attempted to reclaim Jantar Mantar, a day before the official de-notification.
Delhi Police defended their move, citing a Supreme Court directive that 'suitable alternative sites' should be used for protests.
The decision has sparked fears among activists that it is part of a broader effort to curb dissent and limit the visibility of protests in India.
Jantar Mantar is not just a location but a spirit of resistance that nobody can ever take away.
Abhijeet Dipke, Founder, Cockroach Janta Party
Jantar Mantar is in the centre of the town, it is connected, it is next to parliament… it was a very important space for all protests.
Shabnam Hashmi, Human rights activist
