Mobile internet services are set to be suspended within a 4-km radius of the Janpath-Kartavya Path crossing in New Delhi for 24 hours ahead of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)'s planned protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
The suspension is scheduled to begin at 10 pm on Friday, October 9, and continue until 10 pm on Saturday, October 10. According to the order details provided, all forms of mobile internet technology will be covered by the restriction, which has been approved by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs.
Internet services suspended within a 4-km radius in New Delhi. The Ministry of Home Affairs has approved the temporary suspension of internet services. Internet services will remain suspended within a 4-kilometer radius around the Janpath–Kartavya Path crossing. Services will remain suspended from 10 PM on October 9 to 10 PM on October 10. Instructions have been issued to suspend all forms of mobile internet technology.
— ANI (@ANI) October 9, 2026
The protest has been called to demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
Delhi Police Divides New Delhi Into 20 Zones
As part of its security preparations, Delhi Police has divided the New Delhi district into 20 zones to manage potential gatherings and maintain law and order, according to police sources.
The wider security plan includes 37 blocking points and 15 designated detention centres across the capital. Police have also planned extensive barricading on roads leading to Jantar Mantar.
Around 23,000 Central Armed Police Forces personnel and approximately 5,000 Delhi Police personnel are expected to be deployed as part of the security arrangements, reports said.
Delhi Metro Gates At 57 Stations To Close
Separately, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has announced the closure of entry and exit gates at 57 metro stations from 9 pm on Friday, October 9, until further notice, amid security concerns ahead of the protest.
The affected stations span several parts of Delhi, including central, northern, southern and eastern areas. Interchange facilities will remain available at the affected stations, except New Delhi metro station, according to DMRC’s announcement.
The police have cited concerns about large crowds moving towards sensitive locations as a reason for the proposed restrictions. Commuters have been advised to check official metro updates and plan their journeys accordingly.
Why Is CJP Protesting?
The CJP and its supporters are demanding Kumar’s resignation over alleged irregularities in the SIR, an exercise to verify electoral rolls. The protest is expected to involve party supporters, democracy activists and opposition figures.
Delhi Police has denied permission for the CJP’s proposed demonstration, citing short notice, alleged violations of conditions during an earlier protest and prevailing law-and-order concerns. Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita remains in force in the New Delhi area, police said.