Delhi police refutes claims of Jantar Mantar being shut for protests, calls social media reports false and misleading
New Delhi: The Delhi Police on July 30 dismissed social media claims that Jantar Mantar has been locked or closed for protests, calling the allegations “false, misleading and devoid of facts.”
In an official clarification, the police said Jantar Mantar continues to remain an authorised venue for peaceful and permitted demonstrations.
“Rumours are circulating on social media alleging that Jantar Mantar has been locked or closed for protests. These claims are entirely false, misleading, and devoid of facts,” the Delhi Police said.
The police further clarified that, in accordance with the Supreme Court’s directions and the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) framed pursuant to the court’s order, a maximum of 1,000 people may be permitted to assemble at the venue for a protest.
“It is officially clarified that Jantar Mantar remains an active and authorised site for peaceful and authorised demonstrations,” the police said. Permission for protests is granted by the competent authority upon a formal application by the organisers or individuals concerned, subject to prescribed terms and conditions.
The Delhi Police also urged citizens not to believe or circulate unverified claims on social media and advised them to rely on official communications for accurate information regarding protest permissions at Jantar Mantar. The clarification came after claims surfaced online that the protest venue had been closed for further demonstrations.
Jantar Mantar recently witnessed a 37-day protest led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) over alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG examination. The agitation, which centred on the demand for the resignation of then Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, later spread to several cities, including Mumbai, Pune, Lucknow and Kolkata, with students, parents and activists joining demonstrations over the examination controversy. Pradhan resigned as Union Education Minister on July 25 and was subsequently succeeded by Pralhad Joshi.
