Jantar Mantar Protest: Delhi Police Imposes Prohibitory Orders, Metro Stations Shut

Delhi Police imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) across New Delhi district on Friday ahead of a proposed protest at Jantar Mantar against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

The order bars gatherings of five or more people, processions, demonstrations, picketing and dharnas without prior written permission. It prohibits carrying weapons, lathis, sticks, swords, brickbats and other dangerous objects. Unauthorised slogan shouting and speeches have, however, been restricted as well.

DCP Sachin Sharma urged people to comply with the restrictions. He said authorities would not allow unauthorised sit-ins and protests in the area.

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) closed entry and exit facilities at 11 stations until further notice. The affected stations, however, are Janpath, Patel Chowk, Central Secretariat, Rajiv Chowk, Seva Teerth, Mandi House, Lok Kalyan Marg, INA, Chawri Bazar, Ramakrishna Ashram Marg and New Delhi. Interchange facilities remain available at Rajiv Chowk, Mandi House, New Delhi and Central Secretariat.

AISA, SFI and DYFI had announced the Jantar Mantar mobilisation, demanding Kumar’s resignation and raising concerns over the Election Commission’s handling of electoral rolls and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR). Delhi Police denied permission for the protest.

AAP Delhi president Saurabh Bharadwaj and several party workers were detained at Jantar Mantar while protesting against the Election Commission.

In Mumbai, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke announced a ‘Jail Bharo Andolan’ at Shivaji Park.

Mumbai Police said a 2013 Bombay High Court order prevented it from granting permission for the gathering. The location falls within a designated silence zone.

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