Jantar Mantar Denotified: 'Idea of protest in a country like India will remain'

A panel discussion examines the government's decision to denotify Jantar Mantar as a designated protest site in New Delhi. Panellists debate whether moving demonstrators to alternative venues such as Ramlila Maidan or Burari represents an attempt to suppress dissent or a necessary administrative measure to safeguard public order and minimise severe traffic disruption for daily commuters. The conversation highlights historical precedents, including the earlier shift away from the Boat Club, the constitutional protections surrounding peaceful assembly, and global examples of public protest spaces in major democracies. Key participants argue that protest venues must remain accessible and visible to those in power, noting that moving assemblies away from central corridors weakens citizens' ability to demand accountability. 'The idea of protest in a country like India will remain,' notes a participant during the debate, emphasising that while violence is unacceptable, legitimate demonstrations must not be driven far away.