59 mins ago
Delhi Denies Protest Permission, Tightens Security Ahead of Demonstration
A political party and some student groups planned to protest in Delhi on October 10.
They wanted Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar to resign.
Delhi Police said the protest could not go ahead because its permission request came too late and because rules had reportedly been broken at an earlier protest.
Police put restrictions in place and deployed many officers across the city.
They also asked that 57 metro stations be closed for a period around the protest.
Some trains arriving at two Delhi stations on Saturday were cancelled because officials expected heavy road traffic.
In court, lawyers and judges discussed whether a peaceful protest can happen without police permission.
INDIA bloc leaders were also scheduled to meet President Droupadi Murmu about their demand for the election chief's resignation.
Delhi Police denied permission for a Cockroach Janta Party and student-organisations protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar at Jantar Mantar on October 10.
Police cited the late application and alleged rule violations at a previous demonstration, and said prohibitory orders under Section 163 were in force.
More than 20,000 police and paramilitary personnel were deployed across Delhi, and police urged people not to attend the protest.
Delhi Police asked the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation to close 57 stations from 9 p.m. Friday, with possible frequency reductions on October 10.
The Railways said Mail and Express trains due at New Delhi and Nizamuddin stations between 4 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday were cancelled because of anticipated severe road congestion.
- Who
- The Cockroach Janta Party and student organisations planned the protest; Delhi Police denied permission.
- What
- A planned protest demanding Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar's resignation was denied permission, amid heightened security and transport measures.
- Where
- Jantar Mantar and other locations in New Delhi; the planned transport measures concern Delhi Metro stations and New Delhi and Nizamuddin railway stations.
- When
- The protest was scheduled for October 10, 2026; the article also says the President meeting was set for Friday at 8 p.m.
- Why
- Police cited the late submission of the application and alleged rule violations at a previous demonstration. INDIA bloc leaders cited alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in seeking the CEC's resignation.
Protesters' and petitioners' arguments
Police and government's position
Protest without permission
Protesters' and petitioners' arguments
Senior advocates argued that peaceful protest is a right and that a protest without permission is not automatically illegal absent unlawful conduct.
Police and government's position
Police said permission had been denied and that gatherings would violate the prohibitory orders; the Solicitor General said the measures were intended to prevent illegal activity.
Preventive police action
Protesters' and petitioners' arguments
Senior advocate Nitya Raakrishnan questioned whether police could visit homes and paying-guest accommodation to warn people against joining the protest; Kapil Sibal argued against forcible measures before any illegality occurred.
Police and government's position
Police urged people not to attend, citing the prohibitory orders and warning of possible legal consequences.
Key facts
- Protest date and location
- October 10 at Jantar Mantar
- Permission application
- Received October 7; police said applications must be submitted at least 10 days in advance.
- Legal restriction
- Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita was imposed in New Delhi district.
- Security deployment
- More than 20,000 police and paramilitary personnel were deployed across Delhi.
- Metro measures
- Police requested closure of 57 stations from 9 p.m. Friday; train frequency might also be reduced on October 10.
- Rail cancellations
- Mail and Express trains scheduled to arrive at New Delhi and Nizamuddin between 4 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday were cancelled, according to the Ministry of Railways.
- President meeting
- A ten-member INDIA bloc delegation was expected to meet President Droupadi Murmu at 8 p.m. Friday.
Quotes
Delhi Police DCP Shrishti Pandey
Delhi Police deputy commissioner who warned against attending the protest.
“Section 163 is in effect, meaning protests are not permitted, neither at Jantar Mantar nor anywhere else. Any gathering will be considered illegal, and we would be compelled to take necessary legal action against it. I would like to urge the protestors not to participate in such illegal gatherings. Please prioritise your own safety as well. Also, consider the safety of your family.”
telegraphindia.com
“The measures are to prevent anything illegal.”
telegraphindia.com
Sources
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