Jantar Mantar no longer Delhi’s protest site as police designate 3 new venues amid anti-CEC stir in capital
Here's the latest protest news from across India:
For 33 years, an 18th-century astronomical observatory in the heart of Delhi functioned as a lighthouse for causes big and small – former soldiers demanding parity in pensions, a woman on hunger strike spotlighting army excesses, sexual violence victims hoping for justice, queer people dreaming of dignity, and a generation imagining a future free of corruption.
Adding to this, Ramlila Maidan, Burari Ground and CBD Ground have been designated as alternative locations for demonstrations in the Capital. (AFP) In the aftermath of the sprawling NEET agitation this summer that forced the education minister’s resignation and the ongoing stir against chief election commissioner Gyanesh Kumar , police have denotified Jantar Mantar as a designated protest site, ending its standing as the country’s most iconic site for dissent, all within a stone’s throw of the corridors of power in Lutyens Delhi.
Meanwhile, The order – signed by police commissioner Anurag Kumar and dated October 11 – also designated three new protest venues: Ramlila Maidan, Burari Ground in north Delhi and CBD Ground in east Delhi. The first is spread across 12 acres and hosts thousands all year round. The other two are on the fringes of Delhi – 18km and 12.4km away from Jantar Mantar , respectively.
Notably, The order, titled “Guidelines for Holding Protests or Demonstrations in Delhi”, shared the Union ministry of home affairs constituted a committee to “examine alternative proper venues for citizen’s right for organising protest/demonstrations in place of the existing ‘designated site’”.
As per the latest buzz, “Based on the committee’s recommendations, Jantar Mantar as a protest venue has been de-notified,” the order shared, adding that three new venues were designated for organising protests and demonstrations.
In further updates, While Ramlila Maidan is the closest to central Delhi, it is a paid venue that is already in demand for seasonal events. CBD Ground is surrounded by residential and commercial developments, while Burari Ground lies on the outskirts of the Capital.
On top of that, The controversial decision came days after the Supreme Court urged authorities to identify a spacious and open alternative protest site equipped with basic amenities instead of Jantar Mantar. On October 9, the top court shared Delhi should consider a larger spot with toilets, drinking water, medical assistance and space for emergency access. The bench shared the city should identify a venue that would allow peaceful demonstrations while protecting public safety and access to essential services.
In October 2017, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) directed the Delhi government, New Delhi Municipal Council and Delhi police commissioner to stop dharnas, protests, public speeches and the use of loudspeakers on Jantar Mantar Road. It also ordered the removal of temporary structures and waste, and directed that protesters be shifted to Ramlila Maidan.
Source: Hindustan Times