Jantar Mantar is one of New Delhi's most recognisable landmarks, known both as an 18th-century astronomical observatory and as one of India's most prominent sites for peaceful public protest. Built in 1731 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II during the reign of Mughal emperor Muhammad Shah, it is one of five observatories constructed by the Rajput ruler to improve astronomical calculations by tracking the movements of the Sun, Moon and planets with the naked eye.
The observatory houses several monumental masonry instruments, including the Samrat Yantra, the world's largest stone sundial, along with the Jai Prakash, Ram Yantra and Misra Yantra. These structures were designed to measure time, determine celestial positions and observe planetary movements, making Jantar Mantar a significant example of India's scientific and architectural heritage.
Over the decades, however, the name Jantar Mantar has acquired a second identity. The road adjoining the observatory gradually evolved into the country's best-known venue for democratic dissent after large-scale protests were shifted from Delhi's Boat Club area in the early 1990s. Owing to its proximity to Parliament and central government offices, it became the designated site for demonstrations by students, farmers, trade unions, ex-servicemen, activists and civil society groups.
In 2018, the Supreme Court upheld citizens' right to peaceful protest at Jantar Mantar while directing authorities to regulate demonstrations through guidelines on crowd size, sanitation, noise and public order. Today, protests of up to 1,000 people are permitted at the site with prior police approval.
Jantar Mantar returned to national attention in 2026 during the youth-led Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) movement against competitive exam paper leaks and demands for reforms in India's examination system. The protests, fuelled by allegations of repeated paper leaks, youth unemployment and calls for Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation, drew unprecedented crowds to the site. The agitation intensified after environmentalist and education reform advocate Sonam Wangchuk launched a prolonged hunger strike and was later hospitalised following his arrest, turning Jantar Mantar once again into the focal point of a national movement.
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High drama unfolded at Jantar Mantar and outside Parliament Street Police Station in Delhi as police detained protesting journalists and YouTubers staging a sit-in. The demonstrators demanded the registration of an FIR regarding the alleged sexual harassment and physical misconduct against three female journalists by police officers during an October 3 stir against the Chief Election Commissioner. Protesters alleged they were physically manhandled and forcefully detained into a bus after sitting through the night demanding immediate legal action. Delhi Police stated that the complaint has been transferred to the Crime Branch to probe the matter before deciding on registering an FIR. Protesters argued that an FIR should be registered immediately without preliminary delay, while authorities maintained security deployment and barricading across key entry points leading to Jantar Mantar.
Indian Youth Congress workers staged a candle march on Raisina Road in New Delhi, demanding the immediate resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Heavy barricading along with personnel from the Delhi Police and paramilitary forces were deployed by the administration to prevent the protesters from reaching Jantar Mantar. Speaking during the agitation, Delhi Youth Congress President Akshay Lakra described the protest as an effort against the murder of democracy, alleging that the Election Commission of India has been compromised. Lakra demanded that the Special Intensive Revision process be reviewed and that internal objections raised within the Commission be made public. He also questioned why the Chief Election Commissioner has not addressed the media to clarify questions emerging from recent reports. Meanwhile, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party defended the poll body, dismissing opposition allegations as political frustration. The broadcast noted that other opposition groups, including the Aam Aadmi Party and Left parties, have also organised demonstrations against the Election Commission across the capital.
Around 15 Delhi Police personnel, including female officers, sustained injuries during protests held at Jantar Mantar in Delhi. The demonstration saw participation from student groups including AISA and NSUI, representatives from Left parties, and the Aam Aadmi Party protesting against the Chief Election Commissioner. Delhi Police stated that medical examinations are underway for all injured personnel who suffered minor injuries to heads and hands, with allegations of physical attacks by demonstrators. Around 110 people were detained across New Delhi and subsequently released. Police confirmed legal action will follow medical reports, adding to previous FIRs registered during ongoing demonstrations.
A major political confrontation has erupted between opposition parties and the Election Commission over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists. In Mumbai, Raj Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray held a joint demonstration seeking the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, while the Aam Aadmi Party and left parties staged protests at India Gate in Delhi. The INDIA bloc announced plans to march to the Election Commission office demanding the immediate repeal of the SIR process. AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi raised allegations in Hyderabad over fraudulent Form 7 submissions, and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge called recent elections illegal, demanding a switch to paper ballots. In an India Today debate, BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari defended the poll body, arguing that the Supreme Court has backed the SIR process and accusing the opposition of questioning constitutional bodies only when they lose. Congress spokesperson Brijesh Kalappa and Shiv Sena Shinde faction spokesperson Susi Ben Shah presented conflicting perspectives on voter deletions and electoral integrity.
A political confrontation has intensified between the opposition and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party over allegations surrounding the electoral process and the Election Commission. Following demonstrations in Mumbai involving Congress, Shiv Sena UBT, MNS, and NCP SP demanding the Chief Election Commissioner's resignation, protests spread to Delhi with the Aam Aadmi Party and left parties demonstrating against the SIR exercise. Amid these demonstrations, three women journalists alleged police sexual harassment during an October 3rd protest at Jantar Mantar, leading to a Crime Branch probe. In Hyderabad, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi accused Bharatiya Janata Party and RSS workers of filing false form seven objections, seeking intervention from the Telangana Chief Electoral Officer. Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party accused the Congress of adopting a selective stance towards the poll body depending on election outcomes. Separately, the National Human Rights Commission directed Mumbai Police to investigate reports regarding the participation of minor children in the Mumbai demonstrations.
Left student organisations, including the All India Students' Association, initiated a protest march towards Jantar Mantar from Ashok Road in Delhi. The demonstration was organized against Chief Election Commissioner Ganesh Kumar and Delhi Police, following allegations of sexual harassment made by three female journalists against a senior Delhi Police officer of ACP rank. Authorities heavily deployed paramilitary forces, including the Rapid Action Force in anti-riot gear, along with Delhi Police personnel outside Shangri-La Hotel to stop the gathering. Barricades were placed across roads leading to Ashok Road and Jantar Mantar. Senior leaders, including Brinda Karat and Neha Bora, joined the demonstration in solidarity, after which Delhi Police began detaining the protesting students.
Three women journalists have alleged sexual harassment and manhandling by Delhi Police personnel during the October 3 protest at Jantar Mantar. Following protests outside the Parliament Street police station, Delhi Police registered the complaints and transferred them to the Crime Branch for a fair and impartial inquiry. The incident occurred while police were detaining protesters during the demonstration.
A ground report from Ashoka Road near Jantar Mantar highlights the situation surrounding ongoing protests called by the opposition bloc and various organisations demanding the resignation of Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the SIR process. Heavy security deployment, including local police and Rapid Action Force personnel, is visible along with strict barricading across all major access points. Authorities have enforced Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita to restrict unlawful assemblies. Prominent figures including Kapil Sibal, Prashant Bhushan, and Neera Bora were seen protesting earlier in the day before detentions were carried out. Barricades remain placed across multiple entry and exit corridors to maintain order.
A case has been registered by the Shivaji Park Police Station in Mumbai against organisers and 400 to 500 supporters of the CJP following an unauthorised protest on October 2. The case was filed under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita sections covering unlawful assembly and disobedience of orders promulgated by a public servant. Demonstrators gathered outside the barricaded park demanding the removal of the Chief Election Commissioner. Meanwhile, the National Human Rights Commission has sought an investigation into the role and presence of minors at the site, setting a one-week deadline for a report. CJP has additionally called for further protests at Jantar Mantar amid ongoing clashes.
Tensions intensified at Jantar Mantar in Delhi on the second day of protests against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Members of left-wing student groups and civil society activists breached barricades after permission for the demonstration was denied, resulting in clashes with law enforcement. Delhi Police deployed paramilitary personnel in anti-riot gear and barricaded access roads leading to the venue. Multiple demonstrators, including student leaders, were detained from the site and moved into buses. Opposition groups continue to demand the resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner amid the ongoing row.
Protesters have announced a march to Jantar Mantar in Delhi on October 10 following a demonstration in Mumbai. The agitation demands the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, alleging that 13 crore people have been disenfranchised and removed from the voter lists. Organisers have stated that the movement will follow the path of Mahatma Gandhi to save democracy and ensure free and fair polls, while appealing to citizens to join and cautioning Delhi police against halting the march.
Delhi and Mumbai witnessed heightened security as protests were organised demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. In central Delhi, police enforced Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita around Sansad Marg and Jantar Mantar to prohibit unlawful assemblies of five or more people. Paramilitary forces, Rapid Action Force personnel, and drone surveillance were deployed, with authorities actively dispersing and detaining demonstrators. Meanwhile, in Mumbai, the Cockroach Janta Party pressed ahead with its agitation at Shivaji Park despite the police denying official permission. The party set forward key demands, including the CEC's resignation, freezing the 2025 electoral list, and ensuring transparency in election commissioner appointments. Organisers and student groups including the All India Students Federation insisted on exercising their constitutional rights, while the opposition INDIA bloc began its nationwide demonstrations against the Election Commission.
In an interview with India Today, Cockroach Janta Party spokesperson Saurav Das discussed the culmination of their protest at Mumbai's Shivaji Park and outlined future agitation plans. Das maintained that the gathering demonstrated strong public backing, saying, "Shivaji Park was full. It was overflowing with people." He stated that citizens are demanding answers over their voting rights and declared that the party intends to take demonstrations across multiple states, including Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal, before returning to Delhi. Addressing government restrictions and the barricading of traditional demonstration sites, Das remarked that dissent is an idea rather than a physical space, asserting that any place where citizens demand accountability becomes Jantar Mantar. Furthermore, Das commended the Mumbai Police for their cooperation during the Shivaji Park gathering while sharply criticizing the Delhi Police for detaining demonstrators.
Indian Youth Congress workers staged a demonstration from Jantar Mantar to Raisina Road in Delhi on Gandhi Jayanti, marching towards the Election Commission. Protesters wore black skeleton dresses and displayed election cards to highlight allegations of stolen votes. Led by Youth Congress president Uday Bhanu, demonstrators raised slogans against issues including 'Vote Chori', 'Kanun Chori', and examination paper leaks. The agitation followed directives from Rahul Gandhi to party wings across districts and states to intensify protests against these electoral and systemic grievances.
A heated debate unfolded over nationwide protests demanding the resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner following allegations surrounding the Special Intensive Revision voter list exercise. Congress spokesperson Gurmehar Kaur argued that holding ground and participating in democratic processes is paramount, asserting that 'to contest elections is resistance' against institutional erosion. Bharatiya Janata Party national spokesperson Sanju Verma defended the Election Commission of India, dismissing opposition protests as politically motivated charades and maintaining that the CEC acted within constitutional powers under Articles 324, 325, and 326. Meanwhile, CJP spokesperson Ravisha Pradeep stated that grassroots mobilisations and flash protests starting from Shivaji Park are essential to amplify citizen dissent when fundamental voting rights are compromised. The panel debated whether fragmented street protests can mount viable accountability ahead of the upcoming electoral battles.
The national capital witnessed mass demonstrations as the INDIA bloc, student outfits, and civil society groups demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over the revision of electoral rolls. Protesters including members of the Congress, Aam Aadmi Party, Left parties, and Rashtriya Janata Dal attempted to gather at Jantar Mantar, where Section 163 was imposed. Delhi Police detained over 1,100 demonstrators, including senior Left leaders MA Baby and Brinda Karat, transporting them away in buses. The opposition accused the Election Commission of removing eligible voters from electoral rolls, while the central government defended the poll panel and dismissed the opposition agitation.
A massive protest movement has erupted against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar across Mumbai and Delhi. In Mumbai, the Citizens Justice Party led by founder Abhijeet Dipke organised a gathering at Shivaji Park in Dadar, pressing three principal demands: the resignation of CEC Gyanesh Kumar, the freezing of the 2025 electoral list, and complete transparency in appointing future election chiefs. Large crowds, including youths and first-time voters from various parts of Maharashtra, gathered at the iconic venue holding the national tricolour and placards despite the absence of formal police permission. Security forces maintained a heavy presence at the site while the organisation planned further agitations across six other cities leading up to an indefinite demonstration at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi by late October. Meanwhile, earlier demonstrations in the national capital witnessed the detention of over 1,100 political and student activists by Delhi Police.
A massive face-off broke out in the national capital as opposition parties staged protests seeking the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Leaders and workers from the Aam Aadmi Party, CPM, and various Left outfits attempted to march towards Jantar Mantar, but were detained by the Delhi Police under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita. Key politicians, including Brinda Karat, M.A. Baby, Saurabh Bhardwaj, and Sanjeev Jha, were placed in police detention. Prohibitory orders led to the sealing of Jantar Mantar, barricading along major thoroughfares, and restrictions across central Delhi, including closed gates at multiple metro stations. Protesters raised issues over alleged voter list deletions, demanding the suspension of the SIR process, restoration of voter rolls to the June 4, 2024 status, and enhanced poll data transparency. An unnamed parliamentarian protested against being blocked from visiting Parliament to submit a formal complaint. The opposition announced sustained nationwide agitations and a planned march to the Election Commission office.
Delhi Police detained several Aam Aadmi Party workers attempting to stage a demonstration at Jantar Mantar against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. With permission denied, security personnel sealed the protest site with barricades and fortified the Election Commission office. Prohibitory orders were enforced in the vicinity, disrupting vehicular traffic and closing entry and exit gates across 11 Delhi Metro stations, including Rajiv Chowk, Mandi House, and Central Secretariat. The opposition demands Gyanesh Kumar's resignation, the suspension of the Special Intensive Revision exercise, restoration of deleted voters, and an inquiry into election data discrepancies.
Delhi Police fortified Jantar Mantar and sealed surrounding routes including Ashoka Road and Sansad Marg following an unpermitted protest call by opposition and student organisations. Authorities stated that no prior permission was sought for the gathering, leading to the enforcement of prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita. Rapid Action Force, ITBP, CISF, and Delhi Police personnel were deployed in anti-riot gear, and multiple metro station gates were restricted. Several protesters, including Aam Aadmi Party leader Saurabh Bharadwaj and left-wing student wing members carrying posters demanding the resignation of Gyanesh Kumar, were detained in buses and moved to temporary shelters in outer Delhi. While the demonstration unfolded in the national capital over issues concerning women's safety and the Election Commission, primary protests linked to the CJP were simultaneously organised in Mumbai.
