Delhi Police designates three new protest sites, removes Jantar Mantar from list
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Delhi Police has designated three new locations for protests and sit-ins, removing Jantar Mantar from the list of approved venues following recommendations by a committee under the Union Home Ministry.
The new protest sites are Ramlila Ground, Burari Ground, and CBD Ground in east Delhi.
The decision comes amid protests by the Opposition INDIA bloc and the satirical political group Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over the special intensive revision (SIR) controversy.
The move is likely to draw criticism from the Opposition, which may view it as an attempt by the Centre to restrict democratic protests. Delhi Police functions under the Union Home Ministry.
However, the change could ease traffic congestion around Jantar Mantar, which is located in central Delhi near several key government buildings.
Delhi Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar issued the order denotifying Jantar Mantar as a designated protest site.
"Based on the Committee's recommendations, Jantar Mantar as a protest venue has been de-notified. Three new venues, viz Ramlila Ground, Burari Ground and CBD Ground, East Delhi, have been designated as new venues for organizing protest/demonstrations," the order said.
Delhi Police said standard operating procedures (SOPs) for organising protests at the three new locations would be issued separately.