The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has criticised the decision to denotify Jantar Mantar as a designated protest venue, with co-convener Saurav Das on Monday calling the move “unacceptable” and raising questions over the consultation process.
Saurav Das Questions Decision on Jantar Mantar
Delhi Police’s order removed Jantar Mantar from the list of designated protest sites and identified three new venues for demonstrations. Das questioned whether the Ministry of Home Affairs had consulted citizens, stakeholders or organisations before taking the decision.
“Unacceptable. Why is Narendra Modi scared of Jantar Mantar?” Das said in a post on X.
“The Jantar Mantar belongs to the people of India. Did the Ministry of Home Affairs consult with the people of India? Were any stakeholders consulted? Were any organisations consulted?” he said.
Saurav Das Accuses Government of Restricting Right to Protest
Attacking the prime minister, Das said the government would soon denotify India as a democracy.
“Take it in writing – just how they are denotifying people’s Jantar Mantar, the prime minister will soon denotify democracy in India. This move is a step towards that,” Das said.
“We do not accept this arbitrary decision. It is an assault on people’s fundamental right to protest and peaceful assembly. Now the whole country is becoming Jantar Mantar,” he said.
Delhi Police Names Three New Protest Sites
Delhi Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar issued the standing order on October 11, naming Ramlila Maidan, Burari Ground and CBD Ground in east Delhi as the new designated sites for protests and demonstrations.
The move comes amid heightened security arrangements in the national capital following calls to gather for protests at Jantar Mantar.