The cases follow a day of detentions, barricades and metro restrictions in central Delhi, as opposition parties, student groups and activists stepped up their campaign over electoral rolls and the Election Commission’s functioning nationwide. Delhi Police have registered three FIRs after protesters tried to gather near Jantar Mantar on October 2, demanding the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Internal Election Commission dispute adds to row
Many were later released. The FIRs were registered at Parliament Street and Connaught Place police stations after demonstrations went ahead despite police refusing permission for the gathering. AAP Delhi chief Saurabh Bharadwaj and AISA president Neha Bora were among those detained. The protesters accused the Election Commission of irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls and called for Kumar’s removal. “This is for saving the democracy of the country, saving the vote for a common man. Common men’s votes are snatched by Modi and Shah through the Election Commission of India. So, this is a do-or-die fight for the Congress party and the INDIA alliance and all other opposition parties.
Senior officers cited by the Hindustan Times said the cases were registered under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which covers disobedience of an order issued by a public servant. Police had imposed Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita across the New Delhi district before the protest, restricting unauthorised assemblies, demonstrations and processions. Entry and exit at at least 11 Metro stations were also closed for part of the day as security was tightened around Jantar Mantar, Parliament Street and Connaught Place. As per news reports, nearly 1,000 people were detained during the protest, including political leaders, student activists and members of civil society groups. The report said their objections covered changes to Form 6, access to electoral rolls, voter deletions and centralised control of election technology. Earlier reporting noted: A senior police officer said around 550 people were detained.
The Election Commission has said all SIR decisions were taken unanimously by its three members. In its response to reports of internal disagreements, the poll body said differing views were part of its decision-making process. We are not going to allow this thing,” Venugopal said. The Election Commission acknowledged the notes and described them as “suggestions”, saying every decision taken over the past year had been unanimous. Earlier reporting noted: Even as protesters were pulled and dragged into buses, Delhi police said they did not manhandle anyone and cited the lack of permission for protests at the site and prohibitory orders for the detentions. Police said FIRs were being registered for alleged violation of prohibitory orders.
Earlier reporting noted: At noon, national president of All India Students’ Association (AISA) Neha Bora arrived at Jantar Mantar and a game of cat-and-mouse ensued between police and protesters.
Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal said opposition parties were prepared to face arrest.
