Delhi Police confirms Jantar Mantar remains open for authorised protests under Supreme Court guidelines
Jantar Mantar continues to remain an authorised venue for peaceful demonstrations in New Delhi, subject to permission from the competent authority and compliance with the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) framed in accordance with directions of the Supreme Court. Delhi Police has dismissed social media claims suggesting that the protest site has been permanently locked or closed, stating that such posts are false and urging citizens to rely only on official information.
New Delhi: Delhi Police has issued a public clarification rejecting social media rumours claiming that Jantar Mantar has been locked or permanently shut for protests. The police said the claims circulating across social media platforms are false, misleading and unsupported by facts.
According to the official notice, Jantar Mantar continues to function as an authorised location for peaceful demonstrations. However, every protest must receive prior approval from the competent authority after submission of a formal application by organisers or individuals seeking permission.
"Rumours claiming that Jantar Mantar has been locked or closed for protests are false. Jantar Mantar remains an active and authorised site for peaceful and authorised demonstrations." - Delhi Police
Delhi Police Clarifies Jantar Mantar Protest Permission Process
Delhi Police stated that permissions for protests at Jantar Mantar are governed by the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) framed in compliance with directions issued by the Supreme Court.
As per the existing SOP, a maximum of 1,000 participants may be permitted at the venue for a demonstration. Permission is granted only after scrutiny of the application by the competent authority and subject to compliance with prescribed conditions.
The police further advised the public not to circulate unverified information and to depend only on official communications for updates relating to law and order.
"Citizens are advised not to believe or circulate unverified information and to rely strictly on official communications for accurate updates." - Delhi Police
Social Media Reactions Follow Delhi Police Clarification
The clarification prompted mixed reactions on social media, with several users questioning whether protests should continue to be permitted near Parliament and other protected areas.
Some users argued that locations surrounding Parliament should not be available for demonstrations, expressing concerns over security and the possibility of law enforcement personnel sustaining injuries during public protests.
Posts shared online included remarks questioning the policy of permitting demonstrations in sensitive areas and calling for restrictions on protest locations near Parliament. These comments represent opinions expressed by individual social media users and do not constitute official policy or verified factual claims.
X User Alleges Police Harassment Over Air Conditioner Installation
Separately, an X user identified as Anti Woke (@bishalawa) posted allegations against Delhi Police, claiming that two police personnel visited a rented apartment in East Delhi following a complaint from a neighbour regarding an air conditioner outdoor unit.
According to the post, the user alleged that one of the officers was Head Constable Meena from Shakarpur Police Station. The post claimed that the officers threatened and publicly humiliated the occupants, asking them to remove the air conditioner because it was releasing hot air onto the street.
The user stated that the outdoor unit was installed in an open street area and that the neighbour's entrance was approximately six feet away.
In the same post, the user referred to the case Kanwar Singh v. Ramesh Mehta (Delhi Courts, 2013), claiming that during proceedings relating to discomfort caused by split air conditioner outdoor units, the Delhi High Court had issued an interim direction not to remove the AC.
The user further questioned under which legal provision installation of an air conditioner in a residential flat was prohibited and sought clarification regarding the alleged conduct of the police personnel. The post also requested intervention from senior Delhi Police officials, alleging mental harassment, threats and repeated visits by police officers.
At the time of publication, Delhi Police had not issued any public response regarding the allegations made in the social media post. NewsFlash Daily™ has not independently verified the claims made by the X user.
Delhi Police Advises Public to Verify Information
The latest clarification from Delhi Police comes amid increased circulation of unverified claims relating to public protests and law enforcement on social media platforms.
Officials have reiterated that Jantar Mantar remains available for authorised demonstrations conducted in accordance with the applicable legal framework. The police have also appealed to citizens to verify information through official sources before sharing or acting upon claims circulating online.
