In a fresh update, Delhi Police has refused to grant permission for today's proposed protest at Jantar Mantar against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter list. The decision comes a day after social activists and student leaders announced plans to gather at 11 am on October 2.
However, security has been beefed up near Jantar Mantar, with Central Armed Police Forces personnel deployed in anticipation of a turnout. According to PTI, citing police sources, an estimated 3,000 to 4,000 people could come resulting in heightened security measures across the area. Section 163 of the BNS has been imposed at Jantar Mantar.
What happened?
The proposed demonstration against CEC Gyanesh Kumar at Jantar Mantar has been called by the All India Students Association (AISA), Rajya Sabha MP Manoj Jha, and Supreme Court advocate Prashant Bhushan. They are demanding his removal due to allegations regarding voter list irregularities and the conduct of elections.
On Wednesday, AISA national president Neha Bora, Bhushan, and Jha announced the action and demanded Kumar's resignation.
Bora, who previously participated in an agitation at Jantar Mantar led by the CJP over the NEET paper leak issue, said organisers had informed the Parliament Street police station about the event, including details on expected turnout, timing, and responsible parties.
Along with AAP senior leaders and workers, members of the Indian Youth Congress (IYC) and others are expected to attend, however, Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) is not expected to join Friday's protest.
Meanwhile, former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia urged people to participate via X (formerly Twitter), "Come to Jantar Mantar on October 2nd to demand Gyanesh Kumar's resignation. Otherwise, the right to vote is being snatched away today; tomorrow all other rights will also be taken away."
Multi-layer barricades have been placed on routes leading to Jantar Mantar. The protest site, Tolstoy Marg, and Kerala House have been blocked from both sides, with additional barricading near Ashok Road.
Police vehicles will be deployed along access roads, and CCTV feeds will be monitored from the office of the Deputy Commissioner of Police, New Delhi.
The gathering comes amid broader demonstrations by opposition parties, student groups, and civil society activists in Delhi over the poll panel's functioning and the SIR exercise.
Meanwhile, the CJP announced a parallel protest in Mumbai on October 2. After being denied permission, it called for a "Jail Bharo Andolan."