Guwahati: Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) co-convener Saurav Das on Monday condemned the Centre’s decision to remove Jantar Mantar from the list of designated protest sites, calling the move “unacceptable” and an assault on the fundamental right to peaceful assembly.
The remarks came as Delhi Police denotified Jantar Mantar as an authorised venue for protests and designated three alternative locations for demonstrations, according to an official order.
In a post on X, Das questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government over the decision, asking, “Why is Narendra Modi scared of Jantar Mantar?”
He also questioned whether the Ministry of Home Affairs had consulted the public, stakeholders or organisations before taking the decision.
“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?” Das said.
Accusing the government of undermining democratic rights, the CJP leader warned that the move could have wider implications for democracy in the country.
“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,” he 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,” Das added.
According to the standing order issued by Delhi Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar on October 11, Ramlila Maidan, Burari Ground and CBD Ground in east Delhi have been designated as alternative sites for protests and demonstrations.
The decision comes amid heightened security arrangements in the national capital following calls for demonstrations at Jantar Mantar.