Imagine planning a peaceful protest to demand answers, only to discover that the place where you intended to gather is no longer a designated protest venue. Where do you go next? And will your message reach the people you want to hold accountable?

That is the question facing Delhi after the police removed Jantar Mantar as protest site and named three alternatives: Ramlila Maidan, Burari Ground and CBD Ground in East Delhi.

The decision affects more than a familiar landmark. The distance from government offices, booking costs, access to the media and the rules for organising demonstrations could all influence how these venues work for protesters.

Here is what changed, what each location offers and what Delhi’s residents should know.

What the Latest Jantar Mantar News Means for Protesters

Delhi Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar issued the order on October 11, 2026, following recommendations from a committee constituted by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs. Police also told the Delhi High Court that the change followed a Supreme Court order dated October 9, which called for suitable alternative protest sites to be identified and designated.

According to The Indian Express, the police explained the decision during a court hearing concerning permission for a protest at Jantar Mantar. Detailed operating procedures for the new venues are a key next step.

The decision came amid heightened security arrangements and demonstrations concerning Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

For readers following Jantar Mantar news, one distinction matters: removing a location from the designated-site list does not, by itself, abolish the constitutional right to peaceful assembly. It changes the designated locations available under the revised arrangements.

Meet Delhi’s 3 New Protest Sites

1. Ramlila Maidan: The Closest Alternative, but at a Cost

Located around 4 km from Jantar Mantar, Ramlila Maidan has a long history of hosting political rallies and public demonstrations. Its location makes it the closest of the three alternatives to central Delhi.

However, organising a gathering here could be expensive for smaller groups.

According to Hindustan Times, booking the 12-acre venue costs ₹50,000 per day, plus a refundable security deposit of ₹55,000. Applicants must also obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from Delhi Traffic Police.

An MCD official told the newspaper that half the ground is used for heavy-vehicle parking. The remaining section is available for booking, but smaller portions cannot be reserved separately.

MCD data cited in the report records 27 bookings between January 2024 and September 2026. Ramlila performances and fairs could further limit availability during the festive season. The open ground also offers little shade, potentially making lengthy demonstrations uncomfortable in hot weather.

2. Burari Ground: More Space, but Farther From the Centre

Burari Ground, also known as Nirankari Ground, covers approximately 50 acres in northwest Delhi. It is around 18 km from Jantar Mantar protest site, making it the largest and farthest of the three alternatives.

Its size offers room for large gatherings. But distance raises questions about accessibility and public visibility.

During the 2024–2025 farmers’ protests, authorities offered the ground as a possible venue. Farmers’ unions rejected the proposal and described it as an “open jail”, arguing that its isolation and fencing could contain demonstrations and reduce their visibility.

That description reflects the unions’ objections, not an independently established assessment of the site.

3. CBD Ground Delhi: Concerns About Traffic and Access

CBD Ground Delhi, located in Shahdara, East Delhi, is the third designated alternative. The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) maintains the 12-acre venue, which is commonly used for weddings and other large events.

The surrounding area presents practical challenges. Residential neighbourhoods, commercial developments, a hotel, malls and wedding venues sit nearby. Local representatives have raised concerns about congestion, barricading and disruption to neighbouring areas during large demonstrations.

Booking arrangements also need clarification. A DDA official told Hindustan Times that the ground is a paid booking facility and that the authority was awaiting details from Delhi Police on how protests would operate and whether free areas would be available.

How Do the Three New Venues Compare?

The figures and venue-specific concerns come from the Hindustan Times report. The comparison shows why capacity alone cannot determine whether a venue works for protesters.

Why Is the Decision Facing Political Criticism?

The change has prompted criticism from opposition figures and activists.

According to The New Indian Express, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, arguing that the decision reflected a disregard for democratic expression.

Cockroach Janta Party co-convener Saurav Das also called the move an “assault” on the right to protest and peaceful assembly. He questioned whether citizens and relevant organisations had been consulted.

These statements reflect the critics’ views; they do not establish the authorities’ motives as fact. The documented administrative position is that the new venues were designated following a committee’s recommendations and a Supreme Court direction to identify suitable alternatives.

Does the Change Affect the Right to Protest?

Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution protects freedom of speech and expression. Article 19(1)(b) protects the right to assemble peacefully and without arms. Both rights are subject to constitutionally permitted reasonable restrictions.

Regulating designated venues is not the same as abolishing peaceful assembly. However, the practical effect of the new arrangements will depend on the permission process, costs, accessibility and how authorities implement the rules.

The Delhi High Court proceedings also show that questions about protest permissions remain under legal consideration. The Indian Youth Congress challenged the denial of permission for a demonstration at Jantar Mantar, and the court sought a response from the authorities. Check the latest Indian Express court coverage for subsequent developments.

What Happens Next?

The next step is clarification of the operating procedures for the three designated venues. These rules should help explain permission requirements, booking arrangements and crowd-management measures.

For anyone tracking Jantar Mantar news, the key questions are not whether removing Jantar Mantar protest site - the new locations will be affordable, accessible and available to different protest groups - and whether demonstrations can still reach the public and decision-makers effectively.

Delhi has named three alternatives. Their real test will be whether people can use them to gather peacefully, raise concerns and make their voices heard.