CJP Stages Flash Protest at Jantar Mantar; Delhi Police Detain Leaders

New Delhi: The CJP staged a flash protest at Jantar Mantar, with leaders Ashutosh Ranka and Saurav Das leading the demonstration while carrying the national flag. Around 20 members participated in the protest. Delhi Police detained the CJP leaders shortly after the demonstration. The group reached Jantar Mantar through the gate of the JD(U) office.

The CJP had written to Delhi Police the previous day, seeking permission to hold a protest at Jantar Mantar. It had warned that it would launch an agitation if no decision was communicated within 24 hours. However, Delhi Police issued an order denying permission to hold a protest at Jantar Mantar just one hour after receiving the CJP's application.

Jantar Mantar, which has a decades-long history as a protest venue in Delhi, was removed from the list of designated protest sites the previous day. Ramlila Maidan, Burari Ground and CBD Ground in east Delhi have been designated as alternative venues. Protests and demonstrations will be permitted at these locations, and specific guidelines and procedures for organising them at the new venues will be issued.

Removing Jantar Mantar, located close to Parliament and key government offices, from the official list of protest venues limits the opportunity to bring demonstrations directly to the attention of the government. The decision comes amid intensified police action against protests demanding the resignation of Gyanesh Kumar.