CJP’s Saurav Das Says ‘Hands Off Our Jantar Mantar’ After Delhi High Court's Protest Site Remarks
The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) on Friday opposed Delhi High Court remarks questioning protests at Jantar Mantar, saying it 'will not tolerate taking away' the designated protest site. The statement came after the court observed that demonstrations at the central Delhi venue could 'hold the entire city to ransom'. CJP had earlier led the NEET-UG paper leak protest at the site.
The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) on Friday, August 7, reacted strongly to Delhi High Court observations on protests at Jantar Mantar, with party leader Saurav Das saying on X, “HANDS OFF our Jantar Mantar! Before trying to take away our protest site, tell us if you will designate the India Gate where we can exercise our fundamental right to peacefully protest. You took away the India Gate. We will not tolerate taking away of OUR Jantar Mantar too!” His remarks came after the court raised concerns over demonstrations at the central Delhi venue.
The CJP had last month spearheaded a student agitation at Jantar Mantar against alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG examination, demanding the resignation of then Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The latest exchange has brought renewed focus on the debate over the role of Jantar Mantar as a designated protest location in the national capital. Independence Day 2026: CJP Founder Abhijeet Dipke Urges PM Narendra Modi To Address Gen Z in I-Day Speech (Video).
‘Hands Off Our Jantar Mantar’: Saurav Das
HANDS OFF our Jantar Mantar!
Before trying to take away our protest site, tell us if you will designate the India Gate where we can exercise our fundamental right to peacefully protest. You took away the India Gate. We will not tolerate taking away of OUR Jantar Mantar too!
— Saurav Das (@SauravDassss) August 7, 2026
CJP Defends Jantar Mantar as Protest Venue
Responding to the court’s observations, Das argued that Jantar Mantar is an important space for citizens to exercise their constitutional right to peaceful protest. The party questioned any move that could restrict access to the venue without providing an alternative location for demonstrations.
The CJP’s comments came amid discussions over whether protests should continue at a location situated in the heart of Delhi, given concerns about traffic disruptions and public inconvenience. What Is a Pressure Group? Abhijeet Dipke Explains Why CJP Chose This Path (Video).
Delhi HC Raises Concerns Over Central Delhi Protests
The Delhi High Court made the observations while hearing a petition seeking permission for a peaceful protest at Jantar Mantar on August 10 over the demand for extending Scheduled Caste status to Dalit Christians.
During the hearing, Justice Amit Mahajan said, “According to me, these things should not happen in the city, but it’s the government’s call. Law and order is the police’s department. Why should the city be put to ransom unnecessarily?”
The judge further said, “Personally, if you have to ask me, I have a different view. I don’t think protests should happen inside the city.” However, the court clarified that the final decision on allowing protests rests with the government since law and order falls under the police’s jurisdiction.
Jantar Mantar Remains Designated Protest Site
Jantar Mantar has long been recognised as Delhi’s designated protest venue. On July 19, ahead of the CJP’s proposed march to Parliament, the Delhi Police said demonstrations could be held at the site with prior permission.
In November last year, Delhi Police had detained protesters who gathered at India Gate against air pollution, stating that the location was not a designated protest site.
“India Gate is not a protest site. The designated protest site in New Delhi is Jantar Mantar, as per the Supreme Court’s directions. That is why we have advised everyone to follow the guidelines. At India Gate, people come along with their families to enjoy, and it is a national monument. There are VIP routes here; we are deployed here regularly,” New Delhi district DCP Devesh Kumar Mahla was quoted as saying by ANI.
The latest controversy follows the CJP’s proposed march from Jantar Mantar to Parliament on July 20, which turned chaotic after police used lathi-charge and fired tear gas shells to disperse protesters. The CJP had gained attention after leading demonstrations over alleged NEET-UG paper leak irregularities and demanding action from authorities.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 07, 2026 08:03 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
