Jantar Mantar is de-notified as a protest site; the Delhi High Court is asked to hear a challenge today
Delhi Police issued an order de-notifying Jantar Mantar as a protest site on the recommendation of a Home Ministry committee (Hindustan Times). The Hindu links it to a four-page Supreme Court order of 9 October, in which the bench headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant urged the government to find a spacious, open alternative site. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke said police mentally tortured him and his family and that the government would denotify democracy itself (The Hindu). A lawyer asked the Delhi High Court to hear a plea against the closure on Tuesday (The Hindu, single outlet). Hindustan Times reports that Delhi Police took down about 300 social media posts as misinformation, and that the CJP plans a protest in Rajasthan.
Jantar Mantar is where Delhi's protests were allowed to gather near Parliament. Removing the designation without a named replacement leaves organisers unsure where they may lawfully assemble.
If you plan to join or cover a protest in Delhi, check with Delhi Police for the permitted venue first; the old default no longer applies.
Protesters say a central, visible site is part of the right to assemble, and its removal curbs dissent.
The authorities say the Supreme Court itself asked for more space and open air, and the change follows that order.
The Delhi High Court hearing is the next test. Look for whether the government names an alternative site and whether any reasons are given in writing.
DailyDrop India edition No. 9 · Morning · TUE., OCT. 13, 2026