Kiran Bedi backs Jantar Mantar de-notification, explains why site is ‘least suited’ for protests
Here's the latest protest news from across India:
Former IPS officer Kiran Bedi has backed the decision to de-notify Jantar Mantar as a protest site, saying the location was ill-suited for demonstrations because of its narrow lanes and proximity to sensitive buildings and offices.
Adding to this, Former Puducherry Lieutenant Governor Kiran Bedi (VISHAL KAPOOR) In a post on X, Bedi shared every city needed designated spaces for democratic expression, arguing that the administration had erred in choosing Jantar Mantar and failed to correct the decision earlier. Her remarks come after the Delhi Police, in an order issued on October 11, designated Ramlila Maidan, Burari Maidan and CBD Ground in Shahdara as alternative venues for protests.
Meanwhile, “During my lifetime of policing the city of Delhi, I have seen protest sites shift from the PM’s residence and Teen Murti Marg (then Mrs Gandhi’s residence) to the roads of Lutyens’ Delhi in the early 1970s, then to India Gate in the 1980s, and later to Jantar Mantar,” she wrote.
Notably, “Every city requires an open space for democratic expression, which we also call a protest, but forgets to provide for,” she added.
As per the latest buzz, Bedi urged city planners to take note, arguing that Jantar Mantar was the least suited to serve as a protest site because of its narrow lanes, proximity to sensitive buildings and offices, and location near Connaught Place, a major commercial hub.
In further updates, “I think the administration of that time erred in taking that decision and did not correct it all this while. And the consequences are there to see,” she wrote.
On top of that, She shared the Union home ministry had identified Ramlila Maidan and other locations for protests, adding that the shift perhaps required judicial intervention.
“Now we need a clear security and functioning plan for Ramlila Maidan to be shared when according permissions,” Bedi added.
Source: Hindustan Times