New Delhi, India – On October 7, 2026, Delhi Police enforced prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) at Jantar Mantar. This action came as Members of Parliament from the Congress and other Opposition parties converged on the site to protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Opposition Targets Chief Election Commissioner
The protest, spearheaded by the Congress, aims to highlight allegations of irregularities in electoral rolls and concerns over the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise. Opposition parties have been vocal in their demands for Kumar’s resignation, escalating their demonstrations in the capital in recent days.
Prior to their arrival at Jantar Mantar, Opposition MPs had convened for a meeting hosted by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge. Following this, they traveled in three buses towards the designated protest area, a route that previously saw a march towards the Election Commission office halted by Delhi Police.
Police Urge Respectful Treatment of MPs
DCP New Delhi Sachin Sharma confirmed the imposition of Section 163 BNSS, which prohibits gatherings, processions, and demonstrations without prior permission. However, he emphasized that security personnel had received explicit instructions to maintain proper protocol and treat all Members of Parliament respectfully, acknowledging their status even while requesting them to disperse peacefully.
“Since all of them are MPs, we have to keep this in mind, and our behavior towards them will be respectful and in accordance with proper protocol. We will request them to vacate the place on their own,” Sharma stated, according to PTI. The police’s stance underscores a delicate balance between enforcing law and order and respecting the rights of elected representatives.