Delhi HC to Hear Jantar Mantar Protest Ban Challenge
Delhi High Court to hear petitions challenging the ban on protests at Jantar Mantar and investigating alleged assaults on demonstrators.
The Delhi High Court is set to take up critical petitions today, October 13, 2026, regarding the recent prohibition of demonstrations at the iconic Jantar Mantar. The legal challenge comes in the wake of a significant policy shift that has stripped the historic site of its status as a primary protest hub.
The Ban on Jantar Mantar Protests
The controversy stems from a standing order issued by Delhi Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar on October 11, 2026. Following recommendations from a Union Home Ministry committee, the order officially removed Jantar Mantar from the list of designated protest sites. This decision marks a major departure from a 33-year tradition that began after the 1993 ban on demonstrations at the Boat Club.
Under the new regulations, protesters are being redirected to alternative locations, including:
- Ramlila Maidan
- Burari Ground
- CBD Ground in East Delhi
Legal Challenges and Allegations of Violence
The High Court will address multiple petitions, including a significant challenge filed by the Indian Youth Congress. The group argues that the closure of Jantar Mantar directly infringes upon the fundamental right to peaceful assembly.
Beyond the legality of the ban, the court is also tasked with considering requests for an impartial investigation into reports of violence. Allegations have surfaced regarding individuals in civilian clothing assaulting demonstrators near Connaught Place and Jantar Mantar on October 10 and 11. The Supreme Court is also monitoring the situation closely and has requested an affidavit from the central government regarding these developments.
Opposition Strategy: Rahul Gandhi Hosts INDIA Bloc
As the legal battle unfolds in court, political tensions are rising in the capital. Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, has scheduled a high-tea session today at his residence at 5 Sunhri Bagh Road. The meeting is expected to bring together INDIA bloc MPs, civil society representatives, and student organizations.
The primary focus of this session is to devise a unified strategy for protests against alleged "vote theft." The opposition has been increasingly vocal regarding electoral irregularities, including:
- Demands for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
- The 'March for Democracy' against perceived irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process.
- A formal memorandum submitted to President Droupadi Murmu on October 9, 2026.
Following the meeting at Gandhi's residence, opposition parties are expected to either hold a joint demonstration or convene a press conference to outline their next steps.