Security has been significantly heightened in Delhi ahead of planned protests at Jantar Mantar, with authorities closing 11 metro stations and imposing prohibitory orders across the New Delhi district. The demonstrations, organized by various political and student bodies, call for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, citing allegations of mass voter deletion and irregularities during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), the All India Students' Association (AISA), the National Students' Union of India (NSUI), and the Indian Youth Congress (IYC) are among the groups that have announced their intent to protest. Police sources anticipate between 3,000 to 4,000 attendees, despite authorities denying permission for some proposed gatherings, including one involving Rajya Sabha MP Manoj Jha and advocate Prashant Bhushan.
Metro Stations Affected by Closures
The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) confirmed that entry and exit points at the following 11 metro stations would remain closed until further notice:
- Janpath
- Patel Chowk
- Central Secretariat
- Rajiv Chowk
- Seva Teerth
- Mandi House
- Lok Kalyan Marg
- INA
- Chawri Bazar
- Ramakrishna Ashram Marg
- New Delhi
While entry and exit are restricted, interchange facilities will continue to be available at Rajiv Chowk, Mandi House, INA, New Delhi, and Central Secretariat stations to minimize disruption for commuters.
Prohibitory Orders and Security Measures
In anticipation of the protests, prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita have been enforced throughout the New Delhi district. These orders strictly prohibit public gatherings or assemblies of five or more people without prior written permission. They also ban processions, demonstrations, picketing, dharnas, shouting slogans, making speeches, and carrying any potential weapons or disruptive items such as firearms, banners, placards, lathis, or brickbats.
A senior police officer stated that these measures are crucial for ensuring public safety, maintaining public order, and facilitating smooth traffic flow. Additional Delhi Police and Central Armed Police Forces personnel have been deployed at Jantar Mantar and other sensitive locations within New Delhi. Barricades have been set up to control movement and prevent unauthorized assemblies, creating a visible security presence across the area.
Demands and Allegations
Protest organizers are demanding either the resignation or impeachment of CEC Gyanesh Kumar. Their primary concerns revolve around alleged irregularities in the electoral rolls and the overall conduct of elections, particularly regarding the Special Intensive Revision. They claim these issues raise serious questions about the protection of citizens' fundamental voting rights and the integrity of the electoral process.