Delhi Security Tightens as Activists Call for Citizen Protest at Jantar Mantar
Delhi Police impose Section 163 at Jantar Mantar as activists call for a non-partisan citizen protest against the Election Commission.
Central Delhi has been placed under heavy security as activists and civil society members prepare to demonstrate at Jantar Mantar against the Election Commission. Amidst a massive police presence, prominent supporters of the movement are urging participants to attend as individual citizens rather than representatives of political parties to maintain the non-partisan nature of the protest.
"Come as Citizens, Not Party Reps"
Supreme Court lawyer Prashant Bhushan, a vocal supporter of the upcoming demonstration, issued a specific plea to those planning to join the protest. In a message shared on X, Bhushan emphasized that the movement is a response to what he describes as the "hijacking" of democracy by Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and his "handlers."
To ensure the protest remains focused on its core objective, Bhushan urged people to refrain from displaying any political symbols. "People should come as citizens and not as representatives of a party/organisations and without any poster of their party/organisation," he stated. He further appealed to participants to maintain peace and practice Satyagraha—sitting peacefully—should they face forceful intervention from the authorities.
The Spark Behind the Agitation
The call for protest was triggered by a report in The Indian Express, which suggested internal friction within the Election Commission. The report indicated that Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi had raised objections at least 14 times over a ten-month period. Activists are specifically targeting the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, alleging irregularities in the process.
Massive Police Crackdown and Section 163
In anticipation of the unrest, the Delhi Police have imposed a prohibitory order under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023. This order effectively bans several forms of public gathering in the area, including:
- Assemblies of five or more persons
- Processions and demonstrations
- Picketing and dharnas
- Shouting of slogans and making public speeches
- Carrying of weapons, sticks, lathis, or banners
DCP New Delhi Sachin Sharma confirmed that permission for the protest has been denied. "As Section 163 is in force, people are advised not to come to the area for protests or demonstrations," Sharma told reporters, noting that preventive arrangements are firmly in place.
Security Deployment and Metro Disruptions
The security landscape at Jantar Mantar is intense, featuring:
- Deployment of the Rapid Action Force (RAF)
- Riot control vehicles stationed on-site
- Extensive barricading of all roads leading to the protest site
- Additional personnel requested from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs
Commuters are facing significant hurdles as the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has closed entry and exit gates at 11 stations until further notice. Affected stations include:
- Janpath
- Patel Chowk
- Central Secretariat
- Rajiv Chowk
- Seva Teerth
- Mandi House
- Lok Kalyan Marg
- INA
- Chawri Bazar
- Ramakrishna Ashram Marg
- New Delhi
While interchange facilities remain operational at major hubs like Rajiv Chowk and Mandi House, travelers are advised to plan their routes carefully as the city braces for the planned agitation.