Archive · 2 Oct 2026
Delhi Jantar Mantar Protest Faces Restrictions Over Election Commission
Student and youth groups planned a protest at Jantar Mantar in Delhi on Gandhi Jayanti.
They want Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar to resign.
They say they are worried about how the Election Commission is managing voter lists.
The protest groups said they planned to proceed even though police permission was not granted.
Police imposed special legal restrictions in New Delhi.
These rules stop unauthorised gatherings, sit-ins, speeches and slogan shouting.
Police also put up barricades and sent extra security forces and a riot-control vehicle.
Some nearby metro entrances and exits were closed.
The disagreement is about the Election Commission’s decisions and whether its work has been transparent.
AISA, SFI and DYFI planned a Gandhi Jayanti protest demanding Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation.
Delhi Police said no permission was granted and imposed Section 163 of the BNSS in New Delhi.
The restrictions prohibit unauthorised protests, sit-ins, demonstrations, slogan shouting and public speeches in the designated area.
Police deployed Delhi Police personnel, Rapid Action Force units, barricades and a riot-control vehicle near Jantar Mantar.
The protest concerns the Election Commission’s handling of voter lists and the Special Intensive Revision exercise, amid disputes over transparency.
- Who
- AISA, SFI and DYFI planned the protest, with support from political figures, activists and civil society members including Manoj Jha and Prashant Bhushan.
- What
- A proposed Jantar Mantar demonstration is demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and raising concerns about electoral-roll revisions and Election Commission transparency.
- When
- The protest was planned for October 2, 2026, on Gandhi Jayanti; police updates and restrictions were issued around October 1-2.
- Where
- Jantar Mantar and surrounding areas in New Delhi, with restrictions affecting nearby roads and metro stations.
- Why
- Organisers cite concerns about the Election Commission’s functioning, voter-list management and the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.
Protest Organisers and Critics
Election Commission and Police Position
Need for protest
Protest Organisers and Critics
Student and activist groups say concerns about electoral-roll management, the Special Intensive Revision and Election Commission transparency justify the demonstration and the demand for Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation.
Election Commission and Police Position
Delhi Police say the gathering has not been authorised and that people must comply with the restrictions in force in New Delhi.
Election Commission decisions
Protest Organisers and Critics
Opposition groups argue that reports of objections by Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi raise concerns about transparency and fairness, despite the Commission’s clarification.
Election Commission and Police Position
The Election Commission said decisions, including those concerning the Special Intensive Revision, were taken unanimously by its three-member panel.
Public-order measures
Protest Organisers and Critics
Organisers intend to proceed with the mobilisation despite the absence of police permission, with one group member estimating about 1,500 participants.
Election Commission and Police Position
Authorities imposed Section 163, prohibited unauthorised gatherings and deployed security forces, while closing roads and nearby metro access points to manage potential disruption.
- Organisers
- All India Students’ Association, Students’ Federation of India and Democratic Youth Federation of India
- Main demand
- Resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar
- Police position
- Delhi Police said permission for the protest or march had not been granted
- Legal restriction
- Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita was in force in New Delhi
- Expected attendance
- Around 1,500 people, according to a member of one participating organisation
- Security measures
- Delhi Police, Rapid Action Force units, barricades and a riot-control vehicle were deployed
- Transport impact
- Jantar Mantar Road was closed to traffic, and entry or exit points at several nearby metro stations were shut until further orders
