Archive · 2 Oct 2026
CPI(M) Condemns Detentions at Delhi Protest Against CEC, SIR
Many young people and students gathered in Delhi to protest against the Chief Election Commissioner and a change to voter lists.
The protest was organized by youth and student groups, including the Democratic Youth Federation of India and the Students’ Federation of India.
Police had not allowed the gathering at Jantar Mantar, according to the report.
More than 700 people were detained at the protest site and nearby areas.
Several political leaders and activists were also detained.
The Communist Party of India (Marxist) said police handled protesters roughly and that some were injured.
The party argued that people should be allowed to hold peaceful protests.
It called for the detainees’ release and for the protest movement to continue.
More than 700 people were detained during a protest at Jantar Mantar and nearby areas.
Protesters demanded the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and a halt to electoral-roll revision.
The demonstration was led by the Democratic Youth Federation of India, Students’ Federation of India and other youth groups.
CPI(M) alleged that police manhandled protesters, injured some people and transported them in buses.
The party said denying permission to protest restricted constitutional rights and demanded the release of all detainees.
- Who
- Young protesters, students, activists, political leaders and members of youth and student organisations; the CPI(M) condemned the detentions.
- What
- More than 700 people were detained during a protest demanding the removal of CEC Gyanesh Kumar and a halt to the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.
- When
- October 2.
- Where
- Jantar Mantar and surrounding areas in New Delhi.
- Why
- Protesters opposed the Chief Election Commissioner and the Special Intensive Revision; the CPI(M) said permission was denied and democratic rights were curtailed.
Protesters and CPI(M)
Police and authorities
Right to protest
Protesters and CPI(M)
The CPI(M) said denying permission at the designated protest site curtailed the constitutional right to agitate and reflected a wider restriction of democratic rights.
Police and authorities
Police detained participants after permission for the gathering was denied and maintained restrictions around Jantar Mantar; the report does not include a police explanation for the action.
Treatment of protesters
Protesters and CPI(M)
The CPI(M) alleged that police brutally manhandled protesters, injured some and forced them into buses.
Police and authorities
The reported police action involved detaining and transporting protesters, but the article provides no independent account or official response regarding alleged injuries.
Election oversight
Protesters and CPI(M)
The CPI(M) accused Gyanesh Kumar of undermining the neutrality of the Election Commission of India and demanded his removal and an end to the Special Intensive Revision.
Police and authorities
The report records the protesters’ and CPI(M)’s accusations but does not provide a response from Gyanesh Kumar or the Election Commission of India.
- Detentions
- More than 700 people were detained by Delhi Police at Jantar Mantar and surrounding areas.
- Main demands
- Removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and a halt to the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.
- Organisers
- The Democratic Youth Federation of India, Students’ Federation of India and other student and youth organisations led the protest.
- CPI(M) allegation
- The party alleged that police manhandled protesters, injured some and placed them in buses.
- Political figures detained
- CPI(M) general secretary M A Baby, Brinda Karat, A A Rahim, Srijan Bhattacharya and Aishe Ghosh were among those named.
- Permission
- The CPI(M) said authorities denied permission for the gathering at Jantar Mantar.
- Party demand
- The CPI(M) demanded the release of all detained protesters and continuation of the movement.