Jantar Mantar Protest Live: Delhi Police have registered three FIRs following Friday’s demonstrations by student organisations, political parties and civil society activists who attempted to gather at Jantar Mantar and demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
The FIRs were registered at Parliament Street and Connaught Place police stations after police invoked prohibitory orders across the New Delhi district ahead of the planned protest. The demonstrations took place despite restrictions under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).
Jantar Mantar Protest Live: Three FIRs Registered
According to two senior police officers cited in reports, the Delhi Police registered three FIRs based on daily diary entries made by police officials.
The cases were registered under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which deals with disobedience to an order duly promulgated by a public servant. Police said the cases were linked to the gathering of protesters in central Delhi despite prohibitory orders.
The FIRs did not initially name individuals or organisations in the suspects or accused column, although organisers and participating organisations were reportedly mentioned in the contents of the FIRs.
Why Was the Jantar Mantar Protest Stopped?
Delhi Police had denied permission for the proposed demonstration and imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 BNSS across the New Delhi district.
The restrictions were announced to maintain public order, ensure public safety and facilitate smooth traffic movement. Police said unauthorised public gatherings, demonstrations, processions, picketing and dharnas were prohibited without prior written permission.
Police also restricted activities including shouting slogans or making speeches without permission and carrying certain objects such as banners, placards, sticks and similar articles.
Jantar Mantar Protest: Around 1,000 People Detained
Around 1,000 people were detained across Delhi on Friday as police and security forces prevented protesters from reaching Jantar Mantar, according to reports.
Nearly 750 people were detained in areas around Jantar Mantar, while another 400 were detained at other locations, according to figures cited by Hindustan Times. Around 200 people were also placed under house arrest earlier in the morning.
Those detained from the streets were taken to different police stations in buses arranged by Delhi Police.
Other reports have cited different detention figures, reflecting developments during the day. Therefore, the exact number of people detained may be revised as authorities provide further details.
Who Was Detained During the Jantar Mantar Protest?
Among those detained were AAP leader and former Delhi chief minister Atishi, AISA president Neha Bora and Swaraj India leader Yogendra Yadav, according to reports.
AAP leaders, civil society activists, members of left-backed student organisations and workers of the Congress youth wing were also among those detained.
The protest was backed by several political and student organisations, including the Aam Aadmi Party, AISA, Students’ Federation of India (SFI), National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) and Indian Youth Congress (IYC).
More Than 5,000 Security Personnel Deployed
Heavy security arrangements were put in place around Jantar Mantar and other parts of central Delhi before the protest.
More than 5,000 security personnel were deployed in and around the protest site, according to the information provided in reports. Barricades were installed and additional forces were positioned at key locations to prevent unauthorised gatherings.
Delhi Police had also issued a traffic advisory covering areas around Jantar Mantar, Parliament Street, Connaught Place and adjoining roads.
Jantar Mantar Protest: Metro And Traffic Restrictions
The security measures also affected public movement in central Delhi.
Delhi Metro temporarily restricted entry and exit at several stations around the New Delhi district ahead of the protest. Reports said 11 stations were affected, while interchange facilities remained available at selected stations. Traffic restrictions and diversions were also announced around Jantar Mantar Road, Parliament Street, Tolstoy Marg, Patel Chowk and nearby areas.
Commuters were advised to avoid the affected stretches wherever possible.
What Is Section 223 Of The BNS?
Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita deals with disobedience to an order duly promulgated by a public servant.
According to the police explanation cited in reports, a person convicted under the provision can face simple imprisonment of up to six months, a fine of up to ₹2,500, or both.
Where the disobedience causes or tends to cause danger to human life, health or safety, or causes or tends to cause a riot or affray, the punishment can extend to one year of imprisonment, a fine of up to ₹5,000, or both.
Any final determination of criminal liability would depend on the investigation and judicial process.
What Is Section 163 Of BNSS?
Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita allows authorities to issue orders in circumstances where immediate action is considered necessary for public safety or the prevention of disturbances.
In this case, Delhi Police invoked the provision across the New Delhi district ahead of the planned Jantar Mantar protest. The order prohibited gatherings of five or more people and demonstrations without prior written permission, among other restrictions.
Why Were Protesters Demanding CEC Gyanesh Kumar’s Resignation?
The proposed demonstration was linked to allegations concerning the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and demands for the resignation or removal of CEC Gyanesh Kumar.
Opposition parties, student organisations and civil society activists have raised concerns about the electoral-roll revision process and its implications for voters. These are allegations and political claims. The registration of FIRs relates to the alleged violation of police orders governing public gatherings and does not itself establish the validity of the underlying allegations concerning the electoral-roll revision.
Jantar Mantar Protest Live: What Happens Next?
The three FIRs registered by Delhi Police will now form part of the investigation into Friday’s demonstrations. Police may examine the circumstances surrounding the gatherings and alleged violations of the prohibitory orders. It was not immediately clear whether additional sections of the BNS or other laws would be added to the FIRs. The legal status of individual detainees and any further police action may become clearer as the investigation progresses.
