‘Seeking Permission to Protest Is Not Anti-Democratic’: Delhi Police Defends Restrictions Ahead of Jantar Mantar Demonstration

In a statement, the police acknowledged citizens’ right to protest but said the authorities also had a responsibility to protect residents, workers, businesses, police personnel and important establishments, including offices of constitutional bodies located in New Delhi.

Citing protests held at Jantar Mantar in July, Delhi Police claimed that a demonstration for which permission had been sought for one day continued for a month. According to the statement, more than 200 police personnel were injured during the protests, while over 2,000 participants with criminal antecedents allegedly contributed to violence.

The police said the situation had escalated into clashes in which students were also injured, adding that the authorities wanted to prevent a recurrence of such incidents.

The statement further alleged that women constables had been molested and assaulted by protesters at Jantar Mantar during demonstrations over the past week. Delhi Police described the allegations as serious and said they needed to be addressed.

Highlighting the venue’s capacity constraints, the police said Jantar Mantar could accommodate around 1,000 people at a time. It added that large gatherings required advance planning to manage traffic, maintain emergency access and ensure the safe movement of crowds.

The police argued that the authorities had to balance demonstrators’ rights with the interests of residents, shopkeepers, workers and businesses. It said restrictions ahead of Saturday’s proposed gathering were temporary measures intended to regulate movement, prevent overcrowding and protect people in the area.

Delhi Police also alleged that the Cockroach Janta Party was proceeding with the proposed gathering without permission. Referring to the Supreme Court’s position on unauthorised demonstrations, the statement said protests held without the required authorisation could be unlawful and participants could face prosecution.

The police said organisers should inform participants about the legal implications of attending a demonstration held without permission.

Explaining the approval process, the statement said prior permission helped authorities assess the expected turnout and make suitable arrangements for traffic diversions, emergency services and crowd management.

“Seeking permission to protest is not anti-democratic,” the police said, maintaining that advance planning was intended to allow demonstrations to take place peacefully while ensuring the city continued to function.