Escalated clash over protest at Jantar Mantar, two protest leaders placed under 5‑day judicial custody; Supreme Court holds important hearing today

New Delhi (City News Mumbai)

The clash between the central government, Delhi Police and protesters over the demonstration at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar is intensifying. Demands for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral roll, and restrictions imposed at the protest site have deepened the controversy. Meanwhile, the Delhi Police’s decision to remove Jantar Mantar from the list of designated protest sites has been challenged in the Supreme Court and the Delhi High Court. A hearing on protest‑related matters is scheduled in the Supreme Court on Thursday, 15 October.

Two protest leaders sentenced to five days of judicial custody

In the case of allegedly breaching barricades at Jantar Mantar, Cockerroach Janata Party (CJP) members Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka have been sent to five days of judicial custody. They are being held in Tihar Jail. Precautionary action has also been taken against Ajinkya Shinde, who is associated with the party.

Delhi Police allege that 14 party members had reached Jantar Mantar before 14 October and, allegedly violating the prohibitory orders, obstructed police work. The police have registered a case on charges of trespass, violation of the injunction and breaching the conditions of the bond issued to maintain peace.

However, the accused’s lawyers have questioned the police’s actions and the facts presented in court. It is essential to examine the police allegations and the defence’s claims separately in this matter.

Jantar Mantar removed from the list of protest sites

Through a notification issued on 12 October, Delhi Police removed Jantar Mantar from the list of designated protest sites. As alternatives, Ramleela Maidan, Buradi Maidan and CBD Maidan have been earmarked as protest venues.

The decision comes at a time when protests are ongoing demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Protesters claim that alleged irregularities occurred during the SIR of the electoral roll and that a large number of voters’ names were removed. The Election Commission has defended the electoral‑roll process, stating that deletion of deceased, transferred or ineligible voters is part of the procedure.

The decision to remove Jantar Mantar from the list of designated protest sites has been challenged in the Supreme Court and the Delhi High Court. The petitions raise questions about the right to protest and the provision of alternative venues.

Central government apologises over internet shutdown on 10 October

Ahead of the proposed protest on 10 October, the central government filed an affidavit in the Supreme Court seeking to withdraw the contempt notice and offering an unconditional apology.

In the affidavit, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan stated that there was no deliberate violation of the Supreme Court’s directions. According to the government, mobile internet services were suspended for 24 hours within a four‑kilometre radius of Raisina Hill to maintain public order. The centre also requested the court to amend the order permitting internet suspension under statutory provisions in special circumstances in the future.

Earlier, the Supreme Court had also asked the government to respond to matters concerning extensive restrictions on train and metro services during protests.

Dispute over suspension of train and metro services

On 10 October, security arrangements in Delhi were tightened in view of the planned protest at Jantar Mantar. During that period, several metro stations were closed and restrictions were imposed on the operation of trains arriving in Delhi, leading to controversy. Legal questions were also raised against this action.

Petitioners argue that any extensive restriction on citizens’ movement and public transport during a protest should be subject to judicial review. The government and administration, on the other hand, cite the need to maintain law and order.

Movement demanding the resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner

CJP and other protest groups are demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, alleging irregularities in the SIR of the electoral roll. Opposition parties have also raised questions on this issue.

These allegations cannot be regarded as conclusions accepted by the Election Commission or the government. The final resolution of the dispute over name deletions and the revision process will be determined based on official records and judicial proceedings.

### Focus on today’s Supreme Court hearing

A hearing on petitions related to protests in Delhi is scheduled at the Supreme Court on 15 October. Before the court, issues concerning the removal of Jantar Mantar from the list of protest sites, the suspension of internet services, and the restrictions imposed on train and metro services are significant.

Now everyone's attention is on the court hearing and the subsequent actions of the Delhi police. What decision will be taken regarding permission for protests at Jantar Mantar, arrangements for alternative sites, and the right to peaceful dissent will become clear in the upcoming developments.