The Delhi Police, on October 12, 2026, denotified Jantar Mantar as a designated protest site in the national capital. Ramlila Ground, Burari Ground, and CBD Ground have been designated as alternatives to Jantar Mantar for demonstrations.
The move, as per a standing order issued by Delhi Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar, comes as the capital is witnessing a slew of protests and demonstrations against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Student-led organisations, youth organisations such as the Cockroach Janta Party, and INDIA bloc leaders held demonstrations in and around the Jantar Mantar area and Central Delhi, with thousands being detained for unlawful assembly. The de-notification of Jantar Mantar has drawn criticism from activists and Opposition parties who allege that this is a stifling of the citizens’ right to protest. In July 2026, demonstrations by the Cockroach Janta Party over the NEET paper leak were also held at Jantar Mantar.
Here’s everything you need to know about three new designated protest venues - Ramlila Maidan, CBD Ground, and Burari Ground.
Jantar Mantar: From astronomical observatory to landmark protest site
Ramlila Maidan
Ramlila Maidan, or Ramlila Ground, is located 4 km from Jantar Mantar. It spans over 12 acres and over the decades has played an important part in the political history of the country. It is run by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi for all management and booking purposes.
Syama Prasad Mookerjee, regarded as the inspiration behind the Bharatiya Janta Party(BJP), launched his satyagraha in 1952 from Ramlila Maidan against Article 370, which had at the time provided temporary special status to Jammu and Kashmir.
In 1956 and 1957, the first Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru, addressed large public meetings from the ground.
In 1962, during the visit of Queen Elizabeth II, a large permanent stage on the ground was built in honour of the British monarch.
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