Indian activists detained after protesting at Delhi's Jantar Mantar venue

Members of civil society organisations were taken into custody following demonstrations at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, as they challenged restrictions placed on the traditional protest venue by India's Home Ministry. The activists questioned the authority's right to limit access to the site, which has historically served as a focal point for public demonstrations and civil society mobilisation in the Indian capital.

The detained protesters claimed that curbs on assembly at Jantar Mantar represent an infringement on citizens' constitutional rights to peaceful protest. They challenged the Home Ministry's regulatory measures, asserting that the venue's status as a public space should not be compromised by government restrictions.

Despite their detention, the activists indicated they would not abandon their campaign and signalled their intention to mount further protests in coming days. Civil society groups have positioned the issue as a matter of fundamental democratic rights and access to public forums for legitimate dissent.

The incident highlights ongoing tensions in India between civil society organisations and government authorities over protest regulations and the use of public spaces for demonstrations. The clash underscores broader debates about the balance between security considerations and citizens' rights to assembly and free expression in major urban centres.