In the context of the SIR issue, while the 'India' alliance and the 'Cockroach Janata Party' (CJP) are staging a protest in central Delhi against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, the police have removed Jantar Mantar from the list of designated protest sites as per the Central government's directive.
Jantar Mantar in Delhi is a highly important hub where India's democratic voices and public protests resonate.
Jantar Mantar has long been a place where ordinary people, farmers, students, and trade union organizations from every corner of the country raise their voices for their rights.
In this context, let us look at the major protests that took place in the Jantar Mantar area.
1993: Economic and anti-communal protest
This protest was held against the new liberal economic policies introduced by the Indian government in the early 1990s and the communal tensions that arose in the country.
33 organizations gathered from various parts of the country and jointly held a 'Fill the Jails' protest at Jantar Mantar.
2011: Anna Hazare's anti-corruption movement
The demand arose for strong legal safeguards against the series of corruption allegations in the country.
Social activist Anna Hazare conducted a five-day hunger strike demanding the enactment of the 'Jan Lokpal' bill to curb corruption. It became a major movement that received nationwide support from the public and youth.
2012: Nirbhaya Justice Movement
The brutal sexual assault of a student on a moving bus in Delhi caused widespread outrage.
Thousands gathered at Jantar Mantar to protest, demanding justice for the victim and her family, and urging that women be given proper protection both in public spaces and under the law.
2014: Nido Tania’s death and the solidarity protests for people from the Northeast
Nido Tania, a college student from Arunachal Pradesh, died after being attacked in Delhi in a racially discriminatory assault.
In protest against this incident and demanding an end to the racial discrimination and violence faced by people from the northeastern states in urban areas, a series of demonstrations were held.
2017: Tamil Nadu farmers’ 41-day protest
Farmers were severely affected by the intense drought and agricultural debt burden in Tamil Nadu.
Demanding loan waivers and relief assistance, farmers from Tamil Nadu, led by Ayyakannu, carried out continuous protests in various attention-grabbing forms for 41 days at Jantar Mantar in Delhi.
2023: Wrestlers’ sexual harassment protest
Female wrestlers leveled sexual harassment allegations against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who was the president of the Indian Wrestling Federation (WFI). Leading athletes, including Olympic and World Championship medalists, took to the streets at Jantar Mantar and staged a protest demanding appropriate action against him.
2024: NEET-UG exam malpractice protest
Allegations arose that there had been question paper leaks and irregularities in the results of the nationally conducted medical entrance exam NEET-UG. Students and parents’ organizations held protests at Jantar Mantar, demanding that the exam be canceled and a proper investigation be conducted.
2026: The NEET question paper leak controversy and the resignation of the Union minister
Background: A major controversy erupted over the question paper leak in the NEET-UG exam. It is noteworthy that, in response to the intensity of the public and student protests condemning this incident, a situation arose in which Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan was expected to resign from his post, taking responsibility for it.
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