Protest at Jantar Mantar (ANI image on right)
NEW DELHI: The Delhi Police on Thursday dismissed social media rumours claiming that Jantar Mantar has been locked or closed for protests, calling the claims “false, misleading and devoid of facts.”In an official clarification, the police said Jantar Mantar continues to function as an authorised venue for peaceful and permitted demonstrations. The police said that, in accordance with the directions of the Supreme Court and the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) framed in compliance with the court’s order, up to 1,000 people may be allowed to assemble at the site for a protest. “It is officially clarified that Jantar Mantar remains an active and authorized site for peaceful and aurhorised demonstrations.As per the Hon’ble Supreme Court Order and the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) issued by the Delhi Police thereupon in compliance of it , a maximum of 1,000 persons may be permitted at the venue. This permission is granted by the competent authority upon formal application by the concerned organizers or individual(s), subject to adherence of prescribed terms and conditions,” it wrote.
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Advising people against spreading misinformation, the Delhi Police urged citizens not to believe or circulate unverified claims on social media and to rely only on official communications for authentic and accurate information regarding protest permissions at Jantar Mantar. The recent police clarification came after claims surfaced online that Jantar Mantar site has been closed for further protests. Jantar Mantar recently witnessed 37-day protest led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) over the alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG examination. The agitation which was centred on a demand for the resignation of then Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan, expanded to several cities, including Mumbai, Pune, Lucknow and Kolkata, with students, parents and activists joining demonstrations over the examination controversy.Pradhan resigned as Union education minister on July 25 and was subsequently succeeded by Pralhad Joshi.
