Protest Rights in Delhi-NCR

Disclaimer: This is legal information, not legal advice, and it has not yet been reviewed by an advocate. Local rules change often; check with Delhi Police or an advocate before you go.

Quick answer

In Delhi, Jantar Mantar is the main authorised protest site, and you need Delhi Police permission to protest there. Prohibitory orders under BNSS Section 163 are often in force in the New Delhi district, banning gatherings of five or more people without prior written permission. If you are detained, the national rules apply: you must be told the grounds and produced before a magistrate within 24 hours.

Jantar Mantar rules

• Organisers must apply to Delhi Police for permission, and permission comes with conditions.

• Under a Supreme Court order and Delhi Police SOP, a maximum of 1,000 people may be allowed at the venue.

• Delhi Police stated in July 2026 that Jantar Mantar remains open for peaceful, permitted demonstrations.

• The Supreme Court has ruled that protests at Jantar Mantar cannot be banned completely, though police may regulate them (Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan v. Union of India, 2018).

• If permission is refused, organisers can challenge the refusal in the Delhi High Court, which has questioned blanket denials in past cases.

Section 163 orders in New Delhi

• Section 163 orders (formerly Section 144) are frequently issued for the New Delhi district around major events.

• A recent order barred assemblies of five or more people, processions, dharnas, slogans, speeches and carrying placards or sticks without prior written permission.

• Gathering in a covered area without permission can lead to detention. Check the latest order on Delhi Police's official channels before you go.

Noida, Ghaziabad, Gurugram and Faridabad

• These areas fall under Uttar Pradesh and Haryana police commissionerates, each with its own permission process.

• Section 163 orders are often imposed district-wide in Noida (Gautam Buddh Nagar) and Gurugram. Check the commissionerate's official website or social media for current orders.

• Travelling through NCR to a protest is lawful unless a specific order or lawful detention applies.

If you are detained in Delhi-NCR

• Ask: "Am I detained or arrested? Under which section? Which police station?" Detention to prevent an offence (BNSS Section 170) cannot exceed 24 hours without a magistrate's order.

• Call free legal aid on 15100 (NALSA). The Delhi State Legal Services Authority and District Legal Services Authorities in Noida and Gurugram also provide free lawyers.

• If someone is held beyond 24 hours, a habeas corpus petition can be filed in the Delhi High Court (or the Allahabad or Punjab & Haryana High Court for NCR districts).

Read next: Your rights at a peaceful protest · Detained by police? · Bail and FIR

Disclaimer: This is legal information, not legal advice, and it has not yet been reviewed by an advocate.

Sources — secondary reporting, not verified official orders

• Outlook — July 2026 statement
• ThePrint — Section 163 reporting
• LiveLaw — court observations, not a final ruling