Archive · 11 Oct 2026
Imran Khan Detained as Protests Against Electoral Roll Revision Grow
People protested against changes to voter lists called the Special Intensive Revision, or SIR.
They said the process had problems and wanted Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar to resign.
The Election Commission said the work is meant to check voter lists.
In Mumbai, police detained actor Imran Khan and many other demonstrators.
Police said permission had not been sought for the Mumbai protest, but organisers said they had emailed the police and received no answer.
In Delhi, police did not allow a planned gathering at Jantar Mantar and detained many people.
Several actors and filmmakers criticised the police response or showed support for the protesters.
The disagreement is about the voter-list process and how authorities handled the demonstrations.
Demonstrations on 10 October opposed the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls and demanded Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation.
Mumbai Police detained actor Imran Khan at August Kranti Maidan; reports said hundreds of demonstrators were detained in Mumbai.
Police said no permission had been sought for the Mumbai protest and that court rules allow protests only at Azad Maidan; CJP workers said they had emailed police but received no response.
In Delhi, police denied permission for a planned Jantar Mantar gathering, citing public-order concerns; Reuters reported more than 2,000 detentions amid security restrictions.
Film personalities including Prakash Raj, Anurag Kashyap and Vishal Dadlani criticised the police response or expressed support for demonstrators, while the Election Commission described the revision as a verification exercise.
- Who
- Demonstrators opposing the electoral-roll revision, including actor Imran Khan; police, the Election Commission and several film personalities were also involved.
- What
- Protests against the Special Intensive Revision led to detentions, police restrictions and criticism from film-industry figures.
- When
- 10 October; the year is not specified in the articles.
- Where
- Mumbai, including August Kranti Maidan, and Delhi, including the planned gathering at Jantar Mantar.
- Why
- Protesters alleged irregularities in the revision and sought Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation, an inquiry and changes to the electoral process.
Protesters and critics
Authorities and Election Commission
Purpose and implementation of the SIR
Protesters and critics
Protesters and critics alleged irregularities, questioned implementation and sought an inquiry and changes to the electoral process.
Authorities and Election Commission
The Election Commission described the revision as a verification exercise.
Permission for the Mumbai demonstration
Protesters and critics
CJP workers said they had emailed police seeking permission but received no response.
Authorities and Election Commission
Mumbai Police said no permission had been sought and that the Bombay High Court allows protests only at Azad Maidan.
Police response to demonstrations
Protesters and critics
Film personalities including Prakash Raj, Anurag Kashyap and Vishal Dadlani criticised police action and restrictions or expressed solidarity with demonstrators.
Authorities and Election Commission
Delhi police cited public-order concerns in denying permission for the planned Jantar Mantar gathering and imposed security restrictions.
- Issue
- The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
- Protest date
- 10 October; the articles do not specify the year.
- Mumbai
- Imran Khan was detained during a demonstration at August Kranti Maidan; reports said hundreds were detained in the city.
- Mumbai permission dispute
- Police said permission had not been sought and cited Azad Maidan as the permitted protest site; CJP workers said they emailed police but received no response.
- Delhi
- Police denied permission for the planned Jantar Mantar gathering, citing public-order concerns, and imposed security restrictions.
- Delhi detentions
- Reuters reported that more than 2,000 people were detained amid the security operation.
- Election Commission position
- The Commission described the SIR as a verification exercise.
- Protesters’ demands
- Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation and accountability, an inquiry into the SIR, and changes to the electoral process.
