New Delhi: Delhi Police on Thursday dismissed social media claims that Jantar Mantar had been locked or closed for protests, calling the reports “false, misleading and devoid of facts.”
In a statement, the police clarified that Jantar Mantar continues to function as an authorised venue for peaceful demonstrations. It said that, in accordance with the Supreme Court’s directions and the prescribed Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), protests can be held at the site after obtaining permission from the competent authority.
Delhi Police said organisers are required to submit a formal application, and permission is granted subject to compliance with the prescribed conditions. It added that the venue can accommodate a maximum of 1,000 participants at a time, as per the existing guidelines.
The police also urged the public not to circulate unverified information and advised citizens to rely only on official sources for updates regarding protests and law-and-order arrangements.
Meanwhile, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi demanded the constitution of an independent Supreme Court-monitored high-powered committee to investigate the alleged police action against student protesters during the July 20 demonstration at Jantar Mantar.
In a post on X, Gandhi said students deserved justice and called for an impartial inquiry into the alleged use of force. He also shared a video purportedly showing police personnel lathi-charging protesters. The footage also appeared to show a man in civilian clothes allegedly pushing a student carrying the Indian flag to the ground during the protest.
The demand came as MPs from several INDIA bloc parties staged a protest at Makar Dwar in the Parliament complex on Thursday. Holding placards, the opposition leaders questioned who had ordered the alleged police action against students at Jantar Mantar and also raised allegations regarding the alleged embezzlement of donations meant for the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya.
The protesting MPs demanded accountability from the Centre over both the alleged crackdown on students and the alleged financial irregularities linked to temple donations.
