A plea has been filed before the Supreme Court challenging the Delhi Police’s decision to de-notify Jantar Mantar as a designated protest site and shift demonstrations to three alternative locations in the national capital.

The decision was issued through a standing order dated October 11 by Delhi Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar. The order designated Ramlila Ground, Burari Ground and CBD Ground in East Delhi as alternative protest venues, replacing Jantar Mantar.

The move came amid protests against the Election Commission of India (ECI) and Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, followed by police crackdowns on demonstrators in Delhi.

The decision has now been challenged through an application filed in a pending petition before the Supreme Court concerning the protests in Delhi and the police response to them.

The applicant has argued that the Supreme Court had previously recognised Jantar Mantar as a designated protest site and rejected Ramlila Maidan as an unsuitable venue for demonstrations.

The application has also raised concerns about the suitability of the three newly designated protest sites, alleging that they are located near Delhi’s landfills.

Former Delhi High Court judge Justice Mukta Gupta is expected to appear for the applicant in the matter.