Archive · 2 Oct 2026
Delhi Metro Stations Shut as Jantar Mantar Protest Faces Restrictions
Several groups planned a protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi.
They wanted Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar to resign or face impeachment.
The groups said there were problems with voter lists and elections.
Police said permission was denied for one proposed protest.
Officials expected 3,000 to 4,000 people to attend.
Police imposed rules limiting large gatherings, speeches, slogans and certain objects without written permission.
Extra police and security forces were sent to important places.
Eleven metro stations closed their entrances and exits, although passengers could still change trains at five stations.
Prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the BNSS were imposed in New Delhi ahead of a proposed Jantar Mantar protest.
Police denied permission for a protest called by AISA, Manoj Jha and Prashant Bhushan, scheduled for 11 a.m. on October 2, 2026.
Organisers sought Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation or impeachment over alleged electoral-roll and election irregularities.
Police expected 3,000 to 4,000 attendees and deployed additional personnel and barricades at Jantar Mantar and other sensitive locations.
Entry and exit were closed at 11 Delhi Metro stations, while interchange remained available at five stations.
- Who
- AISA, Manoj Jha, Prashant Bhushan, the Aam Aadmi Party, the National Students’ Union of India and the Indian Youth Congress were associated with proposed protests; police expected 3,000 to 4,000 attendees.
- What
- Authorities imposed prohibitory orders and metro access restrictions ahead of a protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
- When
- The protest was scheduled for 11 a.m. on October 2, 2026, Gandhi Jayanti.
- Where
- Jantar Mantar and other sensitive locations in New Delhi; restrictions affected 11 metro stations.
- Why
- Organisers alleged irregularities involving electoral rolls, the Special Intensive Revision exercise and elections, while police cited public safety, public order and traffic management.
Protest Organisers
Police and Authorities
Election concerns
Protest Organisers
Organisers alleged irregularities in electoral rolls, the Special Intensive Revision exercise and the conduct of elections, including mass voter deletion, and sought Kumar’s resignation or impeachment.
Police and Authorities
The reports describe police security and movement measures but do not provide a detailed official response to the electoral allegations.
Permission and public gathering
Protest Organisers
Political, student and civil-society groups announced a 11 a.m. gathering at Jantar Mantar to raise their concerns.
Police and Authorities
Police denied permission for the proposed AISA, Manoj Jha and Prashant Bhushan protest and restricted gatherings to maintain public safety, public order and smooth traffic movement.
- Protest venue
- Jantar Mantar, New Delhi
- Protest target
- Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar
- Expected attendance
- Approximately 3,000 to 4,000 people
- Legal measure
- Section 163 prohibitory orders under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita
- Metro impact
- Entry and exit closed at 11 stations until further notice
- Interchange stations
- Rajiv Chowk, Mandi House, INA, New Delhi and Central Secretariat
- Main restrictions
- Assemblies of five or more people, processions, demonstrations, speeches, slogans and specified objects were barred without written permission
