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Politics
Delhi police tighten rules on protests at Jantar Mantar, sparking debate on civic freedoms
✍️ The Hindu
🗓 05 Nov 2026, 11:49 AM
👁 5
Authorities have imposed new restrictions on gatherings at Jantar Mantar and other public venues, prompting concerns about the impact on democratic participation.
Delhi police announced new guidelines that limit the size and duration of protests at Jantar Mantar, a historic public arena traditionally used for demonstrations.
The rules require prior permission, cap gatherings at 50 persons, ban overnight encampments and impose fines for violations. Similar restrictions have been extended to other public venues across the capital.
Civil society groups and opposition leaders argue that the measures erode a long‑standing tradition of civic engagement, citing the site's role in past movements for democratic rights.
The government defends the steps as necessary for public order and to prevent disruptions, while legal experts note that any limitation must balance security concerns with constitutional freedoms.
The rules require prior permission, cap gatherings at 50 persons, ban overnight encampments and impose fines for violations. Similar restrictions have been extended to other public venues across the capital.
Civil society groups and opposition leaders argue that the measures erode a long‑standing tradition of civic engagement, citing the site's role in past movements for democratic rights.
The government defends the steps as necessary for public order and to prevent disruptions, while legal experts note that any limitation must balance security concerns with constitutional freedoms.