Archive · 2 Oct 2026
Delhi Police Restricts Jantar Mantar Protest Over Election Roll Concerns
A group wanted to hold a protest at Jantar Mantar against election official Gyanesh Kumar.
The protest was planned for Gandhi Jayanti at 11 a.m.
The organisers say voter lists and the way elections are handled need to be investigated.
They also object to an exercise called the Special Intensive Revision, which changes or checks voter lists.
They want Kumar to resign or face impeachment.
Delhi Police did not approve the protest and issued rules limiting large gatherings.
Police added more officers, barricades and drones around New Delhi.
Live updates said some protesters were detained, while supporters argued that peaceful protest is a constitutional right.
Delhi Police denied permission for a Gandhi Jayanti protest at Jantar Mantar against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
The All India Students' Association, Manoj Jha and Prashant Bhushan called the protest for 11 a.m., with 3,000 to 4,000 people expected.
Organisers are seeking Kumar's resignation or impeachment over alleged electoral-roll irregularities, election-conduct concerns and the Special Intensive Revision exercise.
Authorities imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, restricting assemblies of five or more people without written permission.
Delhi Police and Central Armed Police Forces personnel were deployed, while barricades, drones and movement restrictions were used; live updates reported that some protesters were detained.
- Who
- The All India Students' Association, Rajya Sabha MP Manoj Jha, advocate Prashant Bhushan and expected supporters including AAP and Indian Youth Congress members.
- What
- A proposed protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar was denied permission, followed by heightened security and prohibitory orders in New Delhi.
- When
- The protest was scheduled for 11 a.m. on Gandhi Jayanti; additional security was deployed the preceding day, and restrictions were in force on Friday.
- Where
- Jantar Mantar and other sensitive locations in New Delhi.
- Why
- Organisers cited alleged electoral-roll irregularities, concerns about election conduct and objections to the Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision exercise.
Protest Organisers and Supporters
Delhi Police and Authorities
Electoral rolls and election oversight
Protest Organisers and Supporters
Organisers allege irregularities in electoral rolls and election conduct, and say the Special Intensive Revision exercise raises concerns about citizens' voting rights. They are seeking action against Gyanesh Kumar.
Delhi Police and Authorities
The reports describe the police response as focused on security, public order and traffic management; they do not provide a detailed police response to the organisers' electoral allegations.
Right to protest
Protest Organisers and Supporters
AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj called protesting a constitutional right and argued that Jantar Mantar is a designated protest site where permission should not be necessary.
Delhi Police and Authorities
Delhi Police denied permission and imposed restrictions on assemblies, citing public safety, public order, smooth traffic movement and the risk of an unauthorised gathering.
Security and crowd management
Protest Organisers and Supporters
Supporters, including opposition, student and civil-society groups, were expected to join the gathering and urged people to participate peacefully.
Delhi Police and Authorities
Police expected 3,000 to 4,000 attendees and deployed additional personnel, barricades and drones; live updates reported that some protesters were detained.
- Proposed venue
- Jantar Mantar, New Delhi
- Planned time
- 11 a.m. on Gandhi Jayanti
- Expected turnout
- Approximately 3,000 to 4,000 people
- Main demand
- Gyanesh Kumar's resignation or impeachment
- Legal restriction
- Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita prohibited assemblies of five or more people without prior written permission
- Security measures
- Additional Delhi Police and Central Armed Police Forces personnel, barricades, drones and regulated entry and exit points
- Reported action
- Live updates said police detained some protesters at Jantar Mantar
