Update: Delhi designates three new protest sites instead of Jantar Mantar

Delhi Police on Monday removed Jantar Mantar in the national capital from the list of designated protest sites and designated three new locations for demonstrations instead.

According to police, protests can now be held at Ramlila Maidan, Burari Maidan and CBD Ground in east Delhi. A new order issued by the Delhi Police Commissioner cited security and road traffic management as the main reasons for the decision.

Under the order, any form of agitation, sit-in, assembly or event at Jantar Mantar has been formally banned.

The decision comes as protesters, alleging irregularities in the voter list and election management, have been demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

Jantar Mantar, located near the Indian parliament and central ministries, is an old astronomical observatory. Long regarded as one of the country's main protest sites, it had been a key destination for groups raising political and social issues.

According to Indian media, police have cracked down heavily to stop a protest that parties including the Aam Aadmi Party and civil society groups had sought to hold at Jantar Mantar. The media outlets said several protesters and leaders have been arrested. Some metro stations in central Delhi and internet services have also been temporarily restricted.