Delhi Police Denies Permission for Jantar Mantar Protest

Delhi Police denied permission for a planned protest at Jantar Mantar on October 2 and imposed restrictions on gatherings and demonstrations in New Delhi district, as authorities prepared for a crowd organizers hoped to bring out over alleged electoral-roll irregularities. Reports available on Friday described security and transport measures ahead of the proposed event but did not confirm whether it took place or how many people attended. The demonstration was called by the All India Students Association, Rajya Sabha member Manoj Jha and lawyer Prashant Bhushan. Organizers said they intended to press for action against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, citing alleged problems in electoral rolls and the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision, or SIR, exercise, as well as concerns about election conduct. These are the organizers’ allegations and are not established findings in the reports. Delhi Police said restrictions under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita were in force in New Delhi district, barring protest-related activity without permission.