Former IPS officer Kiran Bedi on Tuesday, October 13, expressed her views after Delhi Police de-notified Jantar Mantar as a designated protest site. Former IPS officer Kiran Bedi said that cities must provide adequate open spaces for democratic expression while ensuring security and smooth functioning of the surrounding areas.

During my lifetime of policing the city of Delhi I have seen protest sites shift from PM residence, Teen Murti Marg (Then Mrs Gandhi’s Residence) to roads of Lutyens Delhi, in early 70s to India Gate in 80s, Boat Club to Jantar Mantra as was. Every city does require an open space for democratic expression, which we also call a protest. But forgets to provide for. City planners to please note Jantar mantra was least suited to be a protest site in view of its narrow lanes and proximity to sensitive buildings and offices. Besides the iconic Commerical Area of Connaught place complex I think the administration of that time erred in taking that decision and did not correct all this while. And the consequences are there to see Ramlila grounds and others have been identified by the #MHA. Perhaps the change needed a Judicial nudge. Now we need a clear security and functioning plan for Ramlila ground to be stated when according permissions. @DelhiPolice #CommisionerMCD. @LtGovDelhi #ChiefMinisterDelhi

— Kiran Bedi (@thekiranbedi) October 13, 2026