Archive · 4 Oct 2026
Delhi Police Register Three FIRs After Jantar Mantar Protests
Students, political groups and other activists tried to gather near Jantar Mantar to call for election chief Gyanesh Kumar to resign.
They cited alleged irregularities in a review of electoral rolls.
Police said restrictions were in place and that the protest did not have permission.
After the demonstrations, police registered at least three cases under a law about disobeying a public order.
No person or group was formally named as an accused in the cases.
Police said the names of some organisers and groups were included in the case documents.
Reports say nearly 1,000 or more than 1,000 people were detained, and many were later released.
The articles do not provide the Election Commission’s response to the allegations.
Delhi Police registered at least three FIRs after Friday’s protests seeking Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation.
Two FIRs were registered at Parliament Street police station and one at Connaught Place police station.
The cases invoke Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita; no individual or organisation is formally named as an accused.
Police said protesters breached Section 163 restrictions, which required prior written permission for gatherings and specified protest activities.
Reports put detentions at nearly 1,000 or over 1,000; many detainees were later released.
- Who
- Delhi Police and protesters, including students, political groups and civil society activists; the protest sought the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
- What
- Police registered at least three FIRs after the protest; the cases cite alleged disobedience of a public order.
- When
- The protests took place Friday, identified in one report as October 2; the FIRs were registered Saturday.
- Where
- The attempted gathering was at Jantar Mantar in central New Delhi; FIRs were registered at Parliament Street and Connaught Place police stations.
- Why
- Protesters demanded Kumar’s resignation over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls; police cited alleged breaches of restrictions on demonstrations.
Protesters’ position
Police position
Reason for demonstrating
Protesters’ position
Protesters called for Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation over alleged irregularities in the revision of electoral rolls.
Police position
Police accounts focused on the restrictions and alleged violations; the articles do not detail the Election Commission’s response to the allegations.
Permission and restrictions
Protesters’ position
Student groups, political parties and civil society activists attempted to assemble or march toward Jantar Mantar.
Police position
Police said permission had not been granted and that Section 163 restrictions barred gatherings and specified protest activities without prior written permission.
- FIRs
- At least three: two at Parliament Street police station and one at Connaught Place police station
- Provision cited in FIRs
- Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, concerning disobedience of an order promulgated by a public servant
- Restrictions cited by police
- Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita; police said gatherings and specified activities required prior written permission
- Accused named
- No individual or organisation was formally named as an accused; organisers and groups were mentioned in the FIR contents
- Detentions
- Reports differ between nearly 1,000 and over 1,000 people detained; many were subsequently released
- Protest demand
- Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls
- Police-stated purpose of restrictions
- To maintain public order, ensure public safety and facilitate smooth traffic movement
Sources
Delhi police file 3 FIRs over Jantar Mantar protest seeking Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation - Telegraph India
Delhi police file 3 FIRs over Jantar Mantar protest
Delhi Police Registers 3 FIRs Over Anti-CEC Protests, None Named
Delhi Police registers 3 FIRs over anti-CEC Gyanesh Kumar protests
