Former IPS officer and Puducherry Governor, Kiran Bedi, has publicly supported the Delhi Police's decision to de-notify Jantar Mantar as a designated protest site. In a recent social media post, Bedi articulated her long-held view that the iconic location is ill-suited for demonstrations due to its geographical constraints and close proximity to critical government infrastructure.
Jantar Mantar: A 'Least Suited' Location
Bedi emphasized that Jantar Mantar was the "least suited" site for protests. Her rationale stems from its narrow lanes and its immediate vicinity to highly sensitive government buildings and offices, including the Parliament House (Sansad Bhavan), Prime Minister's Offices and Residences, and Raisina Hill, which houses key ministries like Home Affairs, Defence, Finance, and External Affairs. Additionally, its closeness to the bustling Connaught Place commercial area further complicates its suitability as a protest hub.
A History of Shifting Protest Venues in Delhi
Recalling her extensive career policing Delhi, Bedi traced the evolution of protest sites in the capital. She noted how demonstrations shifted from the Prime Minister's residence and the roads of Lutyens Delhi in the early 1970s, to India Gate in the 1980s, then to Boat Club, and eventually to Jantar Mantar. Bedi suggested that the administration of the past erred in designating Jantar Mantar and failed to rectify the decision over the years, leading to visible consequences.
Delhi Police Action and New Designated Sites
The Delhi Police recently de-notified Jantar Mantar as a protest venue following a standoff with the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) regarding protest permissions. In its place, three alternative sites have been identified: Ramlila Ground in Old Delhi, CBD Ground in East Delhi, and Burari Ground in North Delhi. These new locations are situated approximately 3 km, 13.5 km, and 44 km respectively from Jantar Mantar.
Future Planning for Democratic Expression
While acknowledging the necessity for every city to provide open spaces for democratic expression, Bedi highlighted the persistent challenge of city planners failing to adequately provide for such venues. She pointed out that the change at Jantar Mantar perhaps required a "Judicial nudge." Moving forward, Bedi stressed the importance of establishing clear security and functioning plans for the newly designated sites, particularly Ramlila Ground, when granting protest permissions.