From the streets of Paris to India's capital, New Delhi, protests have erupted across the globe this week, exposing a wave of public anger over rising costs, housing crises, political corruption and governance failures.

Here's why the world is protesting.

From the streets of Paris to India's capital, New Delhi, protests have erupted across the globe this week, exposing a wave of public anger over rising costs, housing crises, political corruption and governance failures.Here's why the world is protesting.

India, France, Indonesia and beyond: Protests grip the world as anger over inflation and housing boils over | In pics

The Supreme Court on Thursday commenced hearing on a batch of pleas linked to the October 10 protests in Delhi. The petitions challenge the detention and harassment of peaceful protesters, including lawyers and journalists. Relevant authorities of the government have filed their responses before the Court to the pleas on which the Court had earlier sought responses.&nbsp;The hearing comes after the Supreme Court agreed to the Centre’s request for an extension until Thursday to respond to two pleas — one seeking contempt action against authorities for alleged disobedience of the Court’s October 8 order, which had virtually lifted a “complete ban” affecting Delhi Metro and railway services and other civic services during the protests, and a batch of other pleas challenging alleged detentions by the police, reported ANI.&nbsp;Earlier, the bench led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant noted that there were essentially four sets of matters, directly or indirectly associated with the October 10 protest &nbsp;before the court.&nbsp;It also directed senior Delhi Police officers to be present during the hearing and explain allegations of harassment and manhandling of women journalists during the ongoing protests.&nbsp;Petitioners had alleged attacks and assaults on children and peaceful protesters by certain goons, and their garlanding by some supporters after they were granted bail just one day after being arrested.&nbsp;(With inputs from agencies)

Relevant authorities of the government have filed their responses before the Court to the pleas on which the Court had earlier sought responses.

The Supreme Court on Thursday commenced hearing on a batch of pleas linked to the October 10 protests in Delhi. The petitions challenge the detention and harassment of peaceful protesters, including lawyers and journalists. Relevant authorities of the government have filed their responses before the Court to the pleas on which the Court had earlier sought responses. The hearing comes after the Supreme Court agreed to the Centre’s request for an extension until Thursday to respond to two pleas — one seeking contempt action against authorities for alleged disobedience of the Court’s October 8 order, which had virtually lifted a “complete ban” affecting Delhi Metro and railway services and other civic services during the protests, and a batch of other pleas challenging alleged detentions by the police, reported ANI. Earlier, the bench led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant noted that there were essentially four sets of matters, directly or indirectly associated with the October 10 protest before the court. It also directed senior Delhi Police officers to be present during the hearing and explain allegations of harassment and manhandling of women journalists during the ongoing protests. Petitioners had alleged attacks and assaults on children and peaceful protesters by certain goons, and their garlanding by some supporters after they were granted bail just one day after being arrested. (With inputs from agencies)

Relevant authorities of the government have filed their responses before the Court to the pleas on which the Court had earlier sought responses.

Supreme Court begins hearing on petitions filed after October 10 protests in Delhi

The Supreme Court on Thursday (Oct 15) sought responses from the Centre and Delhi Police on a petition challenging the de-notification of Jantar Mantar as a designated protest site. The court questioned whether the government's decision was prompted by oral observations made by the judiciary or followed an independent review.Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told the court that the decision was not based solely on the Supreme Court's observations. He said a committee had been constituted well in advance to examine the issue, had submitted a detailed report, and that the government had acted on the basis of its findings.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/near-the-seat-of-power-far-from-free-protest-jantar-mantar-to-tiananmen-5-iconic-protest-sites-where-protests-are-no-longer-allowed-1791879318970">Near the seat of power, far from free protest? Jantar Mantar to Tiananmen: 5 iconic protest sites where protests are no longer allowed</a><h2>Petitioners seek Jantar Mantar be notified again</h2>Appearing for the petitioners, Senior Advocate Gopal Sankaranarayan requested the court that “Jantar Mantar be notified again.” He noted that the denotification was purportedly done on the court's directive. “Apparently, on October 9, the Court directed that Jantar Mantar be denotified,” he said.CJI Kant told the petitioners that the court will wait for the Centre and Delhi Police's reply. “You have challenged the denotification. We are issuing notice. Let them come and file their reply. We will see what the reasons are,” he said.<h2>Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan&nbsp;judgment invoked</h2>Senior Advocate Mukta Gupta noted that “the fundamental right of a citizen to protest cannot be scuttled,” and said that the court has previously ruled in the “Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan (case) that the place must be near where protesters can be heard.”“New Delhi is not meant for a select few,” she argued.&nbsp;<h2>Supreme Court issues notice over use of BNSS provisions</h2>In a separate but related matter, the Supreme Court issued notice to Delhi Police on a petition challenging the invocation of Sections 172 and 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) during a protest.The petitions raise questions about the restrictions governing demonstrations and the legal provisions used by authorities to regulate protest activity. Jantar Mantar has long been associated with public demonstrations in the national capital, making its status as a designated protest venue a significant issue for those seeking to organise protests in Delhi.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-jantar-mantar-to-lafayette-square-where-the-world-protests-and-how-close-it-gets-to-power-1791876038945">From Jantar Mantar to Lafayette Square: Where the world protests, and how close it gets to power</a>

The Supreme Court has sought responses from the Centre and Delhi Police on a challenge to Jantar Mantar's de-notification as a protest site. The court also issued notice over the use of BNSS provisions during a protest.


The Supreme Court on Thursday (Oct 15) sought responses from the Centre and Delhi Police on a petition challenging the de-notification of Jantar Mantar as a designated protest site. The court questioned whether the government's decision was prompted by oral observations made by the judiciary or followed an independent review. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told the court that the decision was not based solely on the Supreme Court's observations. He said a committee had been constituted well in advance to examine the issue, had submitted a detailed report, and that the government had acted on the basis of its findings. Also read | Near the seat of power, far from free protest? Jantar Mantar to Tiananmen: 5 iconic protest sites where protests are no longer allowed Petitioners seek Jantar Mantar be notified again Appearing for the petitioners, Senior Advocate Gopal Sankaranarayan requested the court that “Jantar Mantar be notified again.” He noted that the denotification was purportedly done on the court's directive. “Apparently, on October 9, the Court directed that Jantar Mantar be denotified,” he said. CJI Kant told the petitioners that the court will wait for the Centre and Delhi Police's reply. “You have challenged the denotification. We are issuing notice. Let them come and file their reply. We will see what the reasons are,” he said. Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan judgment invoked Senior Advocate Mukta Gupta noted that “the fundamental right of a citizen to protest cannot be scuttled,” and said that the court has previously ruled in the “Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan (case) that the place must be near where protesters can be heard.” “New Delhi is not meant for a select few,” she argued. Supreme Court issues notice over use of BNSS provisions In a separate but related matter, the Supreme Court issued notice to Delhi Police on a petition challenging the invocation of Sections 172 and 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) during a protest. The petitions raise questions about the restrictions governing demonstrations and the legal provisions used by authorities to regulate protest activity. Jantar Mantar has long been associated with public demonstrations in the national capital, making its status as a designated protest venue a significant issue for those seeking to organise protests in Delhi. Also read | From Jantar Mantar to Lafayette Square: Where the world protests, and how close it gets to power

The Supreme Court has sought responses from the Centre and Delhi Police on a challenge to Jantar Mantar's de-notification as a protest site. The court also issued notice over the use of BNSS provisions during a protest.

Supreme Court seeks Centre, Delhi Police response on Jantar Mantar's de-notification as protest site

A group of 44 Indian scholars from Harvard University in the US have raised concerns over the recent wave of protests in the national capital terming it to be attacks on India's constitutional institutions, including the Election Commission and the Supreme Court. In a statement on Wednesday (Oct 14), the signatories have asserted that dissent is a right, but questioning institutional credibility without evidence should not be done.&nbsp; They said that the descriptions of New Delhi - the capital - being under “siege” and constitutional authorities as “thieves” or “compromised” raises serious questions about attempts to erode public trust in democratic institutions. The signatories include lawyers, policymakers, civil servants, scientists and academicians.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sc-adjourns-hearing-on-delhi-protest-metro-train-curbs-pleas-to-october-15-1791876640187">SC adjourns hearing on Delhi protest, metro-train curbs pleas to October 15</a>&nbsp;This comes days after another group of 100 Harvard alumni condemned "police brutality, unlawful detention, and violations of constitutional rights of all peaceful protestors" in Delhi during the protest held on October 10 against chief election commissioner Gyanesh Kumar&nbsp;IThe statement, titled “Constitutional Responsibility, Rule of Law, and Institutional Integrity" stated: “We are deeply concerned by the negative public discourse and concerted campaign against India's constitutional institutions, including the Election Commission, the Supreme Court, the office of the Honourable Chief Justice of India, and Parliament,” reported news agency PTI. It also flagged concerns over reports that Harvard University's name was being used to lend legitimacy to a political campaign without proper authorisation. The scholars said actions taken by law enforcement agencies to maintain public order should be subject to fair scrutiny, but argued that sweeping allegations and abusive language could not replace evidence, due process or accountability. The signatories reiterated that while dissent is a fundamental democratic right, making unsubstantiated allegations that damage the credibility of institutions is not. “The dignity of public servants and the offices they hold must be respected. The Constitution, rule of law, and civil liberties must be respected at all times, not just when it suits our interests,” the statement said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/haven-t-signed-bond-saying-we-won-t-protest-cjp-s-dipke-vows-to-hit-streets-again-1791723721836">‘Haven’t signed bond saying we won’t protest’: CJP’s Dipke vows to hit streets again</a><h2>Harvard alumni condemn ‘police brutality’</h2>A group of 100 Harvard University alumni, students, faculty members and staff have condemned the Delhi Police action against protesters during a demonstration called by Coakroach Janta Party (CJP) in the national capital on October 10, alleging police brutality, unlawful detention and violations of constitutional rights. "We strongly condemn police brutality, unlawful detention, and violations of constitutional rights of all peaceful protestors," the statement said. "We call upon the government and all law enforcement authorities to immediately cease and desist from all violations of constitutional rights, respect rights to peaceful protest and access to legal assistance, and ensure that those responsible for abuses are held accountable in accordance with the rule of law," the statement added.

A group of 44 Harvard scholars and professionals has raised concerns over what it called a campaign against India's constitutional institutions, including the Election Commission and Supreme Court. 

A group of 44 Indian scholars from Harvard University in the US have raised concerns over the recent wave of protests in the national capital terming it to be attacks on India's constitutional institutions, including the Election Commission and the Supreme Court. In a statement on Wednesday (Oct 14), the signatories have asserted that dissent is a right, but questioning institutional credibility without evidence should not be done. They said that the descriptions of New Delhi - the capital - being under “siege” and constitutional authorities as “thieves” or “compromised” raises serious questions about attempts to erode public trust in democratic institutions. The signatories include lawyers, policymakers, civil servants, scientists and academicians. Also Read: SC adjourns hearing on Delhi protest, metro-train curbs pleas to October 15 This comes days after another group of 100 Harvard alumni condemned "police brutality, unlawful detention, and violations of constitutional rights of all peaceful protestors" in Delhi during the protest held on October 10 against chief election commissioner Gyanesh Kumar IThe statement, titled “Constitutional Responsibility, Rule of Law, and Institutional Integrity" stated: “We are deeply concerned by the negative public discourse and concerted campaign against India's constitutional institutions, including the Election Commission, the Supreme Court, the office of the Honourable Chief Justice of India, and Parliament,” reported news agency PTI. It also flagged concerns over reports that Harvard University's name was being used to lend legitimacy to a political campaign without proper authorisation. The scholars said actions taken by law enforcement agencies to maintain public order should be subject to fair scrutiny, but argued that sweeping allegations and abusive language could not replace evidence, due process or accountability. The signatories reiterated that while dissent is a fundamental democratic right, making unsubstantiated allegations that damage the credibility of institutions is not. “The dignity of public servants and the offices they hold must be respected. The Constitution, rule of law, and civil liberties must be respected at all times, not just when it suits our interests,” the statement said. Also Read: ‘Haven’t signed bond saying we won’t protest’: CJP’s Dipke vows to hit streets again Harvard alumni condemn ‘police brutality’ A group of 100 Harvard University alumni, students, faculty members and staff have condemned the Delhi Police action against protesters during a demonstration called by Coakroach Janta Party (CJP) in the national capital on October 10, alleging police brutality, unlawful detention and violations of constitutional rights. "We strongly condemn police brutality, unlawful detention, and violations of constitutional rights of all peaceful protestors," the statement said. "We call upon the government and all law enforcement authorities to immediately cease and desist from all violations of constitutional rights, respect rights to peaceful protest and access to legal assistance, and ensure that those responsible for abuses are held accountable in accordance with the rule of law," the statement added.

A group of 44 Harvard scholars and professionals has raised concerns over what it called a campaign against India's constitutional institutions, including the Election Commission and Supreme Court.&nbsp;

Harvard vs Harvard over Delhi protests: After 100 alumni condemn police action, 44 scholars flag attacks on institutions

In the first public display of support for the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday (Oct 14) slammed the arrest of Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka for breaching the Jantar Mantar after it was de-notified as protest site. The support evoked a prompt thank you message from the CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke. CJP leaders Ashutosh Ranka and Saurav Das were on Wednesday morning remanded to five-day judicial custody for trespassing at Jantar Mantar.&nbsp;"Waving the Tricolour at Jantar Mantar in a peaceful protest is not a crime. Jailing youth for it is an act of cowardice," Rahul Gandhi posted on X. “Students. Youth. Journalists. The INDIA bloc. Different banners, one cause. All protests are one: citizens demanding their constitutional rights.” Indicating that the Congress will also fight the Centre's move to denotify Jantar Mantar as a protest site, Rahul Gandhi added that people will reclaim it. Jantar Mantar belongs to the people of India. We will reclaim it," he added.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cjp-protest-sc-orders-free-movement-across-delhi-reviews-barricades-bars-illegal-detentions-1791703552921">CJP protest: SC orders free movement across Delhi, reviews barricades, bars illegal detentions</a>&nbsp;This comes amid reports claiming that Rahul Gandhi is avoiding to share stage with the CJP leadership earlier in July and also during the latest protest. On October 10, Rahul Gandhi invited all Opposition parties to come together to protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Rahul and Priyanka Vadra made appearance with AISA leader Neha Bora during the march to Supreme Court. She was also invited to Gandhi's tea party on Tuesday along with several other civil society groups. The CJP, however, was not invited to the gathering.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn3.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2026/20261014/image-1791966598694.png"></figure>&nbsp;CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke thanked Rahul Gandhi for the show of support.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn3.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2026/20261014/image-1791966649927.png"></figure>&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/haven-t-signed-bond-saying-we-won-t-protest-cjp-s-dipke-vows-to-hit-streets-again-1791723721836">‘Haven’t signed bond saying we won’t protest’: CJP’s Dipke vows to hit streets again</a>&nbsp;Reacting to the court's order, CJP leader Ajinkya Shinde accused the government of misusing its powers to curtail people's fundamental rights. He said the two leaders had gone to Jantar Mantar along with him and other party volunteers, where they waved the national flag and raised the slogan 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai'. "You may know that Ashutosh, Saurav Das and I, along with volunteers from CJP, went to Jantar Mantar.We simply waved the Indian national flag and raised the slogan of 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai'," Shinde said. Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) chief spokesperson Saurav Das and its national spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka were detained by the Delhi Police on Tuesday (Oct 13) after they and several other leaders of their party jumped and entered Jantar Mantar's locked gates and claimed that it has been breached.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Rahul Gandhi has backed Cockroach Janta Party leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka after they were sent to five-day judicial custody over the Jantar Mantar protest. Calling their jailing an act of cowardice, he said the site belongs to the people and vowed to reclaim it.

In the first public display of support for the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday (Oct 14) slammed the arrest of Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka for breaching the Jantar Mantar after it was de-notified as protest site. The support evoked a prompt thank you message from the CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke. CJP leaders Ashutosh Ranka and Saurav Das were on Wednesday morning remanded to five-day judicial custody for trespassing at Jantar Mantar. "Waving the Tricolour at Jantar Mantar in a peaceful protest is not a crime. Jailing youth for it is an act of cowardice," Rahul Gandhi posted on X. “Students. Youth. Journalists. The INDIA bloc. Different banners, one cause. All protests are one: citizens demanding their constitutional rights.” Indicating that the Congress will also fight the Centre's move to denotify Jantar Mantar as a protest site, Rahul Gandhi added that people will reclaim it. Jantar Mantar belongs to the people of India. We will reclaim it," he added. Also Read: CJP protest: SC orders free movement across Delhi, reviews barricades, bars illegal detentions This comes amid reports claiming that Rahul Gandhi is avoiding to share stage with the CJP leadership earlier in July and also during the latest protest. On October 10, Rahul Gandhi invited all Opposition parties to come together to protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Rahul and Priyanka Vadra made appearance with AISA leader Neha Bora during the march to Supreme Court. She was also invited to Gandhi's tea party on Tuesday along with several other civil society groups. The CJP, however, was not invited to the gathering. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke thanked Rahul Gandhi for the show of support. Also Read: ‘Haven’t signed bond saying we won’t protest’: CJP’s Dipke vows to hit streets again Reacting to the court's order, CJP leader Ajinkya Shinde accused the government of misusing its powers to curtail people's fundamental rights. He said the two leaders had gone to Jantar Mantar along with him and other party volunteers, where they waved the national flag and raised the slogan 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai'. "You may know that Ashutosh, Saurav Das and I, along with volunteers from CJP, went to Jantar Mantar.We simply waved the Indian national flag and raised the slogan of 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai'," Shinde said. Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) chief spokesperson Saurav Das and its national spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka were detained by the Delhi Police on Tuesday (Oct 13) after they and several other leaders of their party jumped and entered Jantar Mantar's locked gates and claimed that it has been breached.

Rahul Gandhi has backed Cockroach Janta Party leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka after they were sent to five-day judicial custody over the Jantar Mantar protest. Calling their jailing an act of cowardice, he said the site belongs to the people and vowed to reclaim it.

'Jailing youth is cowardice act': Rahul Gandhi backs jailed CJP leaders in first public show of support

The Supreme Court has summoned a senior Delhi Police officer over allegations of assault on women journalists during protests in Delhi. The court’s move comes amid scrutiny of the police response to the demonstrations. Further details on the proceedings and the allegations are awaited.


Delhi Protests: Supreme Court summons senior Delhi police officer over alleged assault on women journalists 

The Supreme Court on Tuesday (October 13) directed a senior Delhi Police officer to remain present in court to explain the alleged assault on women journalists during the recent protests in Delhi. The case has been observed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant after Senior Advocate Indira Jaising mentioned a petition registered by the Network of Women in Media, India (NWMI). These women sought safeguards for journalists covering protests, especially women journalists.&nbsp;“We'd like some senior officer to remain present here and explain,” the CJI said, and added that the police would have to justify the accusation. Advocate Jaising notified the Court about the advance notice given which has been given to the Solicitor General. The CJI assured that the petition would be listed for hearing on Thursday along with the matter connected with the alleged police action. Senior Advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan brought up a contempt petition filed by the Freedom Speech Collective, which alleges that police assaulted journalists in violation of the Court’s October 10 order directing that media personnel covering the protests not be harassed.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-jantar-mantar-to-lafayette-square-where-the-world-protests-and-how-close-it-gets-to-power-1791876038945">From Jantar Mantar to Lafayette Square: Where the world protests, and how close it gets to power</a><h3>Writ petition filed</h3>Separately, the NWMI (Network of Women in Media, India) has filed a writ petition seeking directions to safeguard journalists’ safety and dignity while covering protests and public events. The petition argues that the existing inquiry into alleged police excesses fails to specifically address concerns around journalists’ access to protest sites, their detention or forcible removal, and the protections needed for independent reporting and newsgathering. It calls on the Union of India to ensure that women journalists engaged in genuine newsgathering or reporting are not subjected to physical handling, intimidation, arbitrary detention or forcible removal simply because they were present at or near a protest, public gathering, crowd-control operation, or other event of public significance.

A contempt petition filed by the Freedom Speech Collective alleges that police assaulted journalists in violation of the Court’s October 10 order directing that media personnel covering the protests not be harassed.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday (October 13) directed a senior Delhi Police officer to remain present in court to explain the alleged assault on women journalists during the recent protests in Delhi. The case has been observed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant after Senior Advocate Indira Jaising mentioned a petition registered by the Network of Women in Media, India (NWMI). These women sought safeguards for journalists covering protests, especially women journalists. “We'd like some senior officer to remain present here and explain,” the CJI said, and added that the police would have to justify the accusation. Advocate Jaising notified the Court about the advance notice given which has been given to the Solicitor General. The CJI assured that the petition would be listed for hearing on Thursday along with the matter connected with the alleged police action. Senior Advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan brought up a contempt petition filed by the Freedom Speech Collective, which alleges that police assaulted journalists in violation of the Court’s October 10 order directing that media personnel covering the protests not be harassed. Also read: From Jantar Mantar to Lafayette Square: Where the world protests, and how close it gets to power Writ petition filed Separately, the NWMI (Network of Women in Media, India) has filed a writ petition seeking directions to safeguard journalists’ safety and dignity while covering protests and public events. The petition argues that the existing inquiry into alleged police excesses fails to specifically address concerns around journalists’ access to protest sites, their detention or forcible removal, and the protections needed for independent reporting and newsgathering. It calls on the Union of India to ensure that women journalists engaged in genuine newsgathering or reporting are not subjected to physical handling, intimidation, arbitrary detention or forcible removal simply because they were present at or near a protest, public gathering, crowd-control operation, or other event of public significance.

A contempt petition filed by the Freedom Speech Collective alleges that police assaulted journalists in violation of the Court’s October 10 order directing that media personnel covering the protests not be harassed.

SC adjourns hearing on Delhi protest, metro-train curbs pleas to October 15

From India's Jantar Mantar to Washington's Lafayette Square, some of the world's most iconic protests have unfolded close to the seat of power. But how near can demonstrators get to leaders and government institutions? Here's a look at some landmark protest sites around the world.

From India's Jantar Mantar to Washington's Lafayette Square, some of the world's most iconic protests have unfolded close to the seat of power. But how near can demonstrators get to leaders and government institutions? Here's a look at some landmark protest sites around the world.

From Jantar Mantar to Lafayette Square: Where the world protests, and how close it gets to power

A petition filed by Lok Sabha Leader of the Opposition, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and 10 other INDIA bloc leaders challenging alleged electoral irregularities and the functioning of the Election Commission of India (ECI) will not be heard by the Supreme Court on Tuesday (Oct 13) after the registry flagged 14 defects in the filing. The defects include a ₹220 shortfall in court fees, an illegible photocopy of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge's identity card and missing vakalatnamas for nine petitioners. The petitioners' legal team has requested that the matter be listed on Wednesday (Oct 14) after the objections are addressed.&nbsp;The delay comes as the Opposition leaders seek an independent, time-bound inquiry into decisions allegedly taken unilaterally by Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. They have also sought a stay on the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls until the inquiry is completed. The plea was expected to be considered alongside other pending petitions linked to protests in Delhi demanding Kumar’s resignation.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/modi-is-a-dictator-abhijeet-dipke-claims-govt-scared-of-youth-slams-stringent-measures-ahead-of-cjp-jantar-mantar-protest-1791601819295">'Modi is a dictator': Abhijeet Dipke claims govt 'scared' of youth, slams stringent measures</a><h2>Missing vakalatnamas</h2>Nine of the 11 petitioners are yet to submit their vakalatnamas, the documents authorising lawyers to represent them in court. Those named among the petitioners whose documents are missing include Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, RJD leader Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) MP Supriya Sule, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut and Trinamool Congress MP Saugata Roy.The registry has also questioned the inclusion of “private parties” as respondents in a writ petition framed as a public interest litigation. The objection relates to the decision to name all three election commissioners as respondents, alongside the ECI.The petition names Kumar, Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi.&nbsp;<h2>Plea follows Opposition march and CJI meeting request</h2>The filing came a day after Chief Justice of India Surya Kant declined a meeting with Gandhi and Kharge, the Leaders of Opposition in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, respectively. He indicated that their concerns could be raised through judicial proceedings and assured an expeditious hearing if they approached the court.Gandhi personally appeared at the Supreme Court on Monday evening to file the petition, accompanied by Kharge and nine other Opposition leaders. Their joint move signalled a coordinated challenge to the electoral roll revision exercise and what they alleged was unilateral decision-making within the poll panel.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/right-to-protest-must-be-protected-but-delhi-police-reveals-why-it-denied-cjp-permission-for-october-10-jantar-mantar-protest-1791597649145">‘Right to protest must be protected, but...’: Delhi Police reveals why it denied CJP permission for October 10 Jantar Mantar protest</a><h2>What the Opposition wants the court to examine</h2>Filed through advocate S Prasanna, the petition seeks an independent investigation into decisions allegedly taken unilaterally by Kumar, including the June 2025 decision to conduct the SIR.The petitioners said they had approached the Supreme Court to “protect the constitutional guarantee of universal adult suffrage” and ensure that elections remain free, fair, transparent and accountable. They clarified that they were not asking the court to reconsider the validity of the SIR itself. Instead, they want it to examine whether established safeguards were followed and whether the ECI acted collectively while taking decisions on the exercise.<h2>Petition seeks records of alleged disagreements within ECI</h2>The plea cites an Indian Express report that election commissioners Sandhu and Joshi had objected to unilateral decision-making by Kumar on 14 occasions over a period of 10 months. On that basis, the petition asks the Supreme Court to call for complete records of the disputed decisions, including files, agendas, minutes, internal notings and objections recorded by the two commissioners. These records, the petition says, should include material relating to the June 2025 decision to conduct the SIR.“The reported exercise of collective powers by a single member, if established, would raise a substantial question concerning compliance with Article 324 of the Constitution and Section 18 of the 2023 Act,” the petition states. It argues that the issue goes beyond internal administrative procedure and concerns the lawful exercise of constitutional authority by the body responsible for safeguarding the integrity of elections.

Rahul Gandhi and 10 other INDIA bloc leaders' plea against alleged unilateral decisions by the Election Commission will not be heard on Tuesday after the Supreme Court registry flagged 14 filing defects, including missing vakalatnamas and a court-fee shortfall.


A petition filed by Lok Sabha Leader of the Opposition, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and 10 other INDIA bloc leaders challenging alleged electoral irregularities and the functioning of the Election Commission of India (ECI) will not be heard by the Supreme Court on Tuesday (Oct 13) after the registry flagged 14 defects in the filing. The defects include a ₹220 shortfall in court fees, an illegible photocopy of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge's identity card and missing vakalatnamas for nine petitioners. The petitioners' legal team has requested that the matter be listed on Wednesday (Oct 14) after the objections are addressed. The delay comes as the Opposition leaders seek an independent, time-bound inquiry into decisions allegedly taken unilaterally by Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. They have also sought a stay on the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls until the inquiry is completed. The plea was expected to be considered alongside other pending petitions linked to protests in Delhi demanding Kumar’s resignation. Also read | 'Modi is a dictator': Abhijeet Dipke claims govt 'scared' of youth, slams stringent measures Missing vakalatnamas Nine of the 11 petitioners are yet to submit their vakalatnamas, the documents authorising lawyers to represent them in court. Those named among the petitioners whose documents are missing include Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, RJD leader Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) MP Supriya Sule, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut and Trinamool Congress MP Saugata Roy. The registry has also questioned the inclusion of “private parties” as respondents in a writ petition framed as a public interest litigation. The objection relates to the decision to name all three election commissioners as respondents, alongside the ECI. The petition names Kumar, Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi. Plea follows Opposition march and CJI meeting request The filing came a day after Chief Justice of India Surya Kant declined a meeting with Gandhi and Kharge, the Leaders of Opposition in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, respectively. He indicated that their concerns could be raised through judicial proceedings and assured an expeditious hearing if they approached the court. Gandhi personally appeared at the Supreme Court on Monday evening to file the petition, accompanied by Kharge and nine other Opposition leaders. Their joint move signalled a coordinated challenge to the electoral roll revision exercise and what they alleged was unilateral decision-making within the poll panel. Also read | ‘Right to protest must be protected, but...’: Delhi Police reveals why it denied CJP permission for October 10 Jantar Mantar protest What the Opposition wants the court to examine Filed through advocate S Prasanna, the petition seeks an independent investigation into decisions allegedly taken unilaterally by Kumar, including the June 2025 decision to conduct the SIR. The petitioners said they had approached the Supreme Court to “protect the constitutional guarantee of universal adult suffrage” and ensure that elections remain free, fair, transparent and accountable. They clarified that they were not asking the court to reconsider the validity of the SIR itself. Instead, they want it to examine whether established safeguards were followed and whether the ECI acted collectively while taking decisions on the exercise. Petition seeks records of alleged disagreements within ECI The plea cites an Indian Express report that election commissioners Sandhu and Joshi had objected to unilateral decision-making by Kumar on 14 occasions over a period of 10 months. On that basis, the petition asks the Supreme Court to call for complete records of the disputed decisions, including files, agendas, minutes, internal notings and objections recorded by the two commissioners. These records, the petition says, should include material relating to the June 2025 decision to conduct the SIR. “The reported exercise of collective powers by a single member, if established, would raise a substantial question concerning compliance with Article 324 of the Constitution and Section 18 of the 2023 Act,” the petition states. It argues that the issue goes beyond internal administrative procedure and concerns the lawful exercise of constitutional authority by the body responsible for safeguarding the integrity of elections.

Rahul Gandhi and 10 other INDIA bloc leaders' plea against alleged unilateral decisions by the Election Commission will not be heard on Tuesday after the Supreme Court registry flagged 14 filing defects, including missing vakalatnamas and a court-fee shortfall.

Rahul Gandhi's plea against Election Commission delayed as Supreme Court registry flags 14 ‘defects’

Rahul Gandhi and other INDIA bloc leaders have left the Supreme Court after the LoP's legal team filed a petition over alleged irregularities in the SIR of electoral rolls and the removal of Gyanesh Kumar, with Gandhi as the lead petitioner. Meanwhile, a large crowd gathered in central Delhi for the INDIA bloc march. Rahul Gandhi is the lead petitioner in the plea against the Election Commission. Other petitioners include Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge, Samajwadi Party's Akhilesh Yadav, Shiv Sena (UBT)'s Sanjay Raut, RJD's Tejashwi Yadav, TMC's Saugata Roy, JMM's Mahua Majhi, CPM's MA Baby, NCP (SP)'s Supriya Sule, CPI's D Raja and IUML's ET Mohammed Basheer. Before the INDIA bloc leaders went inside the Supreme Court, Delhi Police blocked the opposition march at Bhagwan Das Ram Road. Protesters were seen returning towards Mandi House. They were stopped some 600 meters away from the court, as the police had barricaded the road. Lawyers were also seen joining the INDIA bloc protest.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jantar-mantar-denotified-protest-site-cjp-congress-reaction-1791809336194">Jantar Mantar denotified as protest site, CJP says ‘dictator is terrified’</a><h3>Akhilesh Yadav alleges BJP of fabricating election results</h3>During the march to the Supreme Court, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav said, “The agitation and sit-in protests will continue. It is our responsibility to save democracy; the BJP, in collusion with the Election Commission, seeks to destroy the Constitution and democracy. They want to remain in power forever. They create fake voter lists, cast bogus votes, and fabricate election results." Rahul Gandhi and Rajya Sabha LoP Mallikarjun Kharge had previously requested a meeting with Chief Justice of India Surya Kant to raise concerns about alleged “vote chori” (vote theft). The CJI, however, turned down the request for a meeting with Gandhi on this matter. Separately, representatives of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), including Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka, went to the Parliament Street Police Station on Monday to request permission for a peaceful demonstration at Jantar Mantar targeting Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The group has given Delhi Police a 24-hour window to confirm a date for the protest.&nbsp;

Before the INDIA bloc leaders went inside the Supreme Court, Delhi Police blocked the opposition march at Bhagwan Das Ram Road. Protesters were seen returning towards Mandi House.

Rahul Gandhi and other INDIA bloc leaders have left the Supreme Court after the LoP's legal team filed a petition over alleged irregularities in the SIR of electoral rolls and the removal of Gyanesh Kumar, with Gandhi as the lead petitioner. Meanwhile, a large crowd gathered in central Delhi for the INDIA bloc march. Rahul Gandhi is the lead petitioner in the plea against the Election Commission. Other petitioners include Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge, Samajwadi Party's Akhilesh Yadav, Shiv Sena (UBT)'s Sanjay Raut, RJD's Tejashwi Yadav, TMC's Saugata Roy, JMM's Mahua Majhi, CPM's MA Baby, NCP (SP)'s Supriya Sule, CPI's D Raja and IUML's ET Mohammed Basheer. Before the INDIA bloc leaders went inside the Supreme Court, Delhi Police blocked the opposition march at Bhagwan Das Ram Road. Protesters were seen returning towards Mandi House. They were stopped some 600 meters away from the court, as the police had barricaded the road. Lawyers were also seen joining the INDIA bloc protest. Also read: Jantar Mantar denotified as protest site, CJP says ‘dictator is terrified’ Akhilesh Yadav alleges BJP of fabricating election results During the march to the Supreme Court, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav said, “The agitation and sit-in protests will continue. It is our responsibility to save democracy; the BJP, in collusion with the Election Commission, seeks to destroy the Constitution and democracy. They want to remain in power forever. They create fake voter lists, cast bogus votes, and fabricate election results." Rahul Gandhi and Rajya Sabha LoP Mallikarjun Kharge had previously requested a meeting with Chief Justice of India Surya Kant to raise concerns about alleged “vote chori” (vote theft). The CJI, however, turned down the request for a meeting with Gandhi on this matter. Separately, representatives of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), including Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka, went to the Parliament Street Police Station on Monday to request permission for a peaceful demonstration at Jantar Mantar targeting Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The group has given Delhi Police a 24-hour window to confirm a date for the protest.

Before the INDIA bloc leaders went inside the Supreme Court, Delhi Police blocked the opposition march at Bhagwan Das Ram Road. Protesters were seen returning towards Mandi House.

INDIA bloc leads massive march to Supreme Court; plea on 'vote chori' filed against CEC

Delhi Police has been facing the brunt of severe criticism from the opposition leaders for their alleged high-handedness, assault and brutality, but several videos shared by protesters on social media showed a very different story.&nbsp;&nbsp;An October 10 video circulating on social media shows Delhi Police personnel serving samosas to the detained protesters in the national capital.&nbsp;&nbsp;One video shows an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) joking and laughing with the detained protesters who are munching ‘samosas’ in a bus.&nbsp;The man recording the incident praised the police personnel, saying, “Everyone thinks they are bad, they are not bad.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabia-s-response-to-houthi-attacks-to-be-equally-serious-says-energy-minister-1791803528884">Saudi Arabia’s response to Houthi attacks to be ‘equally serious’, says energy minister</a>&nbsp;On Monday, the Delhi Police also shared a video, with the caption, “Beyond the chaos &amp; hate you see online, the reality speaks for itself.”&nbsp;&nbsp;The video, which had garnered over 32,000 views within two hours, surfaced amid protests with police detaining several political figures and protesters.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Beyond the chaos &amp;amp; hate you see online, the reality speaks for itself.
#DPUpdates https://t.co/TeSdlI14Q5&mdash; Delhi Police (@DelhiPolice) <a href="https://x.com/DelhiPolice/status/2109604017940918584?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 12, 2026</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;&nbsp;The clip shows a contrasting view as police personnel interact with detainees and serve them food and water.&nbsp;In contrast to the opposition's strong allegations of police brutality during the protest march, the Delhi Police video, which has now gone viral, shows its officers serving detained demonstrators.&nbsp;<h2>Viral video shows protesters praising cops</h2>&nbsp;The video shared by Delhi Police on its official X handle shows its officers distributing food and water and providing care to detained and protesting individuals. It also shows protesters and onlookers praising the cops with chants of “Delhi Police Zindabad”.&nbsp;As political tensions ran high during the INDIA bloc and CJP-led protest march toward the Supreme Court on Monday, October 12, 2026, a heartwarming visual counter-narrative emerged from the streets of the national capital.&nbsp;While opposition leaders and political activists raised allegations of police brutality, excessive force and high-handedness during the barricading and detentions, the viral video shows the unseen and unreported side of the police operations.&nbsp;The footage shows Delhi Police personnel stepping beyond security duties to care for the demonstrators. Officers were filmed distributing packaged meals and mineral water bottles and offering medical assistance to tired and detained protesters.&nbsp;The compassionate gestures prompted spontaneous cheers and slogans of “Delhi Police Zindabad” from several individuals at the site.&nbsp;Meanwhile, the Delhi Police have registered over 20 FIRs in connection with attempts to forcibly stage protests.The FIRs were filed for offences including taking the law into one’s own hands, obstructing official duties, and assaulting police personnel, as the protesters gathered around Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, demanding the resignation of CEC Gyanesh Kumar.

The video shared by Delhi Police on its official X handle shows its officers distributing food and water and providing care to detained and protesting individuals. It also shows protesters and onlookers praising the cops with chants of “Delhi Police Zindabad”.

Delhi Police has been facing the brunt of severe criticism from the opposition leaders for their alleged high-handedness, assault and brutality, but several videos shared by protesters on social media showed a very different story. An October 10 video circulating on social media shows Delhi Police personnel serving samosas to the detained protesters in the national capital. One video shows an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) joking and laughing with the detained protesters who are munching ‘samosas’ in a bus. The man recording the incident praised the police personnel, saying, “Everyone thinks they are bad, they are not bad.” Also Read: Saudi Arabia’s response to Houthi attacks to be ‘equally serious’, says energy minister On Monday, the Delhi Police also shared a video, with the caption, “Beyond the chaos & hate you see online, the reality speaks for itself.” The video, which had garnered over 32,000 views within two hours, surfaced amid protests with police detaining several political figures and protesters.

The video shared by Delhi Police on its official X handle shows its officers distributing food and water and providing care to detained and protesting individuals. It also shows protesters and onlookers praising the cops with chants of “Delhi Police Zindabad”.

‘Delhi Police zindabad’: Cops hailed for serving food and water, treating injured protesters | Video

Women protesters have alleged that Delhi Police manhandled them on October 11, during the second day of the citizens' attempt to reach Jantar Mantar. Along with the allegations of manhandling by Delhi Police, there were also allegations that the detention bus had no lights and no women police officers.&nbsp;“Not only were these women activists manhandled by male police officers, but they were also slapped in the face while being detained,” said the SFI in a statement. It noted that male police cannot detain females, a blatant violation of Section 45(1) of the BNSS that states that only female police officers can physically handle, search or detain a woman.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">A Female protester asked, “How dare you touch me?”

A male Delhi Police personnel answered by slapping her across the face. 

UNBELIEBALE🤬🤬

@rashtrapatibhvn @narendramodi Is this Nari Vandan ? https://t.co/hUTD4XhToN&mdash; Rajat Jain (@RajatJain) <a href="https://x.com/RajatJain/status/2109231382534984083?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 11, 2026</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Shocking scenes from Delhi! A video shows police officers slapping a girl, touching her inappropriately and pushing her around.

Is this how Delhi Police treats women? Strict action must be taken against those responsible. https://t.co/p8gZPl3V9V&mdash; Truth Bharat (@Viral_Bharat1) <a href="https://x.com/Viral_Bharat1/status/2109571777269526534?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 12, 2026</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Delhi Police tore the clothes of female protesters and dragged them into a police bus.

Is this how women are treated in the world’s largest democracy? Absolutely shameful. 💔 https://t.co/q7bjKUcP7B&mdash; JB (@93Yorker) <a href="https://x.com/93Yorker/status/2109097921832743133?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 11, 2026</a></blockquote>
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In a separate video, a Delhi Police constable was allegedly touching a woman inappropriately while she allegedly slapped him. In a video, SFI protesters have alleged that police tore women's clothes on purpose. On Sunday, another video went viral showing a police officer carefully lunging and colliding with AISA National President, Neha Bora, near Safdarjung flyover, following which he folded his hands and apologised.&nbsp;Delhi Police have not reacted to these allegations.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/telangana-man-dies-russia-ukraine-border-military-recruitment-1791800048663">Telangana man allegedly recruited into Russian military dies near Ukraine border</a>“I was one of the people protesting at Connaught Place Sunday. We were in a group and went and stood in front of a blue Delhi Police vehicle. There were a handful of women cops around us, but a majority of them were men, many of whom were wearing helmets and had batons in their hands. Slowly, they pinned us against the bus, and the male cops started pushing. They kept their hands in the air, but pushed using their bodies; the women cops were at the peripheries by this time. Not only were we screaming out in pain, but also the experience of being crushed by male bodies was humiliating,” said a woman protester who sought anonymity.&nbsp;“We were put in a bus that resembled jail cells. The windows were blocked off, and there were separate cells created using iron bars within the bus. Women cops detained us and dragged us inside. Some cops even strangled the protesters,” the woman alleged.

SFI has accused Delhi Police of manhandling women protesters, slapping activists and tearing their clothes during detentions near Jantar Mantar.

Women protesters have alleged that Delhi Police manhandled them on October 11, during the second day of the citizens' attempt to reach Jantar Mantar. Along with the allegations of manhandling by Delhi Police, there were also allegations that the detention bus had no lights and no women police officers. “Not only were these women activists manhandled by male police officers, but they were also slapped in the face while being detained,” said the SFI in a statement. It noted that male police cannot detain females, a blatant violation of Section 45(1) of the BNSS that states that only female police officers can physically handle, search or detain a woman.

SFI has accused Delhi Police of manhandling women protesters, slapping activists and tearing their clothes during detentions near Jantar Mantar.

Women protesters allege Delhi Police manhandled them during Jantar Mantar march

Delhi is on heightened security alert as the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) renews its protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) controversy. Security personnel have been deployed as authorities prepare for the renewed demonstration amid tensions surrounding the protest.


Delhi protest: Congress leaders begin march to Supreme Court

The BJP Mahila Morcha staged a protest in Delhi as the INDIA bloc prepared for its march towards the Supreme Court. The demonstrations come amid the ongoing political row over the CJP protests and the demand for Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar's resignation. Political activity in the national capital remains in focus as both sides hold protests.

Delhi Protest: BJP Mahila Morcha stages protest amid INDIA Bloc's Supreme Court march

The Delhi Sikh Gurudwara Management Committee (DSGMC) on Sunday (Oct 11) filed a police complaint against Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders, including party chief Arvind Kejriwal, alleging that protesters disrupted activities at Gurudwara Bangla Sahib and circulated misleading videos during demonstrations against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The complaint comes amid protests in Delhi demanding Kumar’s resignation over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. CJP leaders, Opposition parties and student groups have been holding demonstrations at Jantar Mantar and other locations in the national capital.<h2>Committee alleges misuse of gurdwara premises</h2>According to the complaint, workers and supporters associated with AAP entered the gurdwara premises on Saturday (Oct 10) while attempting to reach Jantar Mantar for the protest. The committee alleged that they began demonstrating inside the religious complex, creating a disturbance.The DSGMC claimed the protesters had attempted to use the sanctity of the ‘Guru Ghar’ for political activity. The allegations are the subject of the complaint and do not, by themselves, establish wrongdoing by the named leaders. A large number of protesters had gathered at the premises as they tried to join the demonstration, but police prevented them from proceeding and detained them.“The protesters also raised political slogans inside the sacred premises, disturbing the religious atmosphere and violating the sanctity and maryada of Guru Ghar. Such deliberate political activity inside a revered place of worship has deeply hurt the religious sentiments of the Sikh Sangat,” the complaint read as per news agency PTI.<h2>Delhi Police responds to viral video</h2>The controversy drew attention after a video circulated on social media purportedly showing police personnel entering Bangla Sahib while wearing shoes. Delhi Police rejected the interpretation attached to the footage, saying the personnel were walking through a common passage used by devotees to reach the point where they remove their shoes before entering the gurdwara.In a post on X, the police said, “The video has been circulated deliberately with malicious intent, to outrage the feelings of a respectable religious community and is prejudicial to the religious harmony. Legal action is being initiated,” it added.The Press Information Bureau has also fact-checked misleading posts linked to the ongoing protests as authorities tightened security across the capital.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Regarding the video circulated on social media, alleging entry by police staff in Gurdwara Bangla Sahib, wherein some police staff is shown wearing shoes

In the circulated video some police staff is shown walking in the common passage, used by all devotees to reach the point where shoes are taken off to enter the Gurdwara.
The process is the same for all devotees coming to Gurdwara. The video showing the same is attached. 

The video has been circulated deliberately with malicious intent, to outrage the feelings of a respectable religious community and is prejudicial to the religious harmony. 
Legal action is being initiated.&mdash; DCP New Delhi (@DCPNewDelhi) <a href="https://x.com/DCPNewDelhi/status/2108941036814774608?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 10, 2026</a></blockquote>
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The Delhi Sikh Gurudwara Committee filed a police complaint against Arvind Kejriwal and other AAP leaders, alleging disruption at Bangla Sahib and circulation of misleading videos during anti-CEC protests.

The Delhi Sikh Gurudwara Management Committee (DSGMC) on Sunday (Oct 11) filed a police complaint against Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders, including party chief Arvind Kejriwal, alleging that protesters disrupted activities at Gurudwara Bangla Sahib and circulated misleading videos during demonstrations against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The complaint comes amid protests in Delhi demanding Kumar’s resignation over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. CJP leaders, Opposition parties and student groups have been holding demonstrations at Jantar Mantar and other locations in the national capital. Committee alleges misuse of gurdwara premises According to the complaint, workers and supporters associated with AAP entered the gurdwara premises on Saturday (Oct 10) while attempting to reach Jantar Mantar for the protest. The committee alleged that they began demonstrating inside the religious complex, creating a disturbance. The DSGMC claimed the protesters had attempted to use the sanctity of the ‘Guru Ghar’ for political activity. The allegations are the subject of the complaint and do not, by themselves, establish wrongdoing by the named leaders. A large number of protesters had gathered at the premises as they tried to join the demonstration, but police prevented them from proceeding and detained them. “The protesters also raised political slogans inside the sacred premises, disturbing the religious atmosphere and violating the sanctity and maryada of Guru Ghar. Such deliberate political activity inside a revered place of worship has deeply hurt the religious sentiments of the Sikh Sangat,” the complaint read as per news agency PTI. Delhi Police responds to viral video The controversy drew attention after a video circulated on social media purportedly showing police personnel entering Bangla Sahib while wearing shoes. Delhi Police rejected the interpretation attached to the footage, saying the personnel were walking through a common passage used by devotees to reach the point where they remove their shoes before entering the gurdwara. In a post on X, the police said, “The video has been circulated deliberately with malicious intent, to outrage the feelings of a respectable religious community and is prejudicial to the religious harmony. Legal action is being initiated,” it added. The Press Information Bureau has also fact-checked misleading posts linked to the ongoing protests as authorities tightened security across the capital.

The Delhi Sikh Gurudwara Committee filed a police complaint against Arvind Kejriwal and other AAP leaders, alleging disruption at Bangla Sahib and circulation of misleading videos during anti-CEC protests.

Delhi Sikh Gurudwara Committee files complaint against Kejriwal, AAP leaders for ‘violating sanctity’ of Bangla Sahib

On October 3, three women who identified themselves as journalists said Delhi Police sexually harassed them near Jantar Mantar, in protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.&nbsp;One of the three women told PTI that Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Vivek Bhagat allegedly sexually assaulted her and pushed her back after she asked why no women police personnel were present. Delhi Police acknowledged that three women journalists had made allegations of sexual harassment against officers and promised a “fair and impartial enquiry”. No FIR has been filed against Bhagat.Though this was not an isolated incident, there have been several instances of police misconduct against women protestors, with little to no accountability.&nbsp;Further back in July, during CJP's Sansad Chalo march, a 36-second video shows Additional DCP Sandeep Lamba allegedly slapping a woman near the Parliament complex. Former TMC MP Saket Gokhale then filed a police complaint against Lamba. Its outcome is not known.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-leo-xiv-lung-lesion-surgery-gemelli-hospital-1791721380175">Pope Leo XIV to undergo surgery for lung lesion detected at early stage</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">A viral video appears to show DCP Sandeep Lamba slapping a woman during the protest. If authentic, this raises serious questions about the use of force and accountability. Citizens deserve a transparent inquiry and a public explanation.
@DelhiPolice @CPDelhi @AmitShah @TheDeshBhakt @HMOIndia @IndiaToday @suchetadalal @AltNews @TheNewspinch https://t.co/8jtRAmjZta&mdash; Shubham Gurule (@shubham_gurule) <a href="https://x.com/shubham_gurule/status/2079517923857912174?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 21, 2026</a></blockquote>
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Another video from the July protest shows a cop hitting a woman's private part with a stick. In the High Court on July 22, counsel for the petitioners went further. He alleged that policemen molested women, including by using batons on their private parts, and said video evidence exists. These are allegations made in court, not findings. Additional Solicitor General SV Raju defended Delhi Police, alleging stone-throwing by the crowd, and the court asked police to file a response within four weeks.

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The problem is not only the alleged misconduct, but how differently the system responds to protesters and to the officers accused of harming them. A DCP-rank officer reportedly told ThePrint that the act of slapping came in the “spur of the moment”. Lamba was reportedly removed from duty at Jantar Mantar with no disciplinary action reported.Protesters were detained within hours, while a complaint against an officer took days to reach an inquiry and, as of 5 October, had no FIR.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-renaming-atlantic-pacific-ocean-trump-ocean-1791713921124">Trump floats renaming Atlantic or Pacific Ocean ‘Trump Ocean’ or ‘Ocean of the Americas’</a>One journalist said she waited more than three and a half hours at Parliament Street police station for an FIR to be registered. On 5 October, two days after the complaints, the Delhi government's Home Department assigned Bhagat, current duty charge as Additional DCP, one of 12 officers in the same order. The government describes this as a temporary arrangement with no extra pay or statutory powers, and says the proposal was initiated on 25 August, well before the protest.&nbsp;Later that day, after criticism, it said Bhagat had asked of his own volition not to take up the charge until the inquiry concludes satisfactorily, and it modified the order for the other 11 officers. The charge was withheld at his request, not cancelled as a disciplinary step.&nbsp;On October 10, two videos went viral, one showing an uniformed officer in close physical contact with a woman, while trying to restrain her. The officer was seen apologising to her with folded hands.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">IS THIS HOW DELHI POLICE TREATS WOMEN?

A police officer appeared to accidentally touch Neha Bora and immediately apologised with folded hands. 🙏

The apology was immediate, but the incident is now being turned into a controversy.

Judge the incident by the facts, not by political narratives.&mdash; Rupok Acharjee (@RupokAcharjee) <a href="https://x.com/RupokAcharjee/status/2109251742672244816?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 11, 2026</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">DEEPLY DISTURBING!

BJP-RSS goons beating a young girl in the presence of Delhi Police, with an officer seemingly guiding them to stop the recording.

Why is Delhi Police helping goons attack peaceful protestors instead of protecting them? Who gave them this free hand? https://t.co/2JeT40wrx2&mdash; Cockroach Janta Party - CJP (@Cockroachisback) <a href="https://x.com/Cockroachisback/status/2108928029741465638?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 10, 2026</a></blockquote>
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The other video shows four men approaching and assaulting a male protester. When a young woman ran towards the scene, the men threw her to the ground, after which one of them began attacking her. The video showed police standing in proximity to the miscreants while suggesting to them to stop recording.The Delhi police arrested all four men on October 11, while allegations of the police's failure to take action were also being investigated, The Hindu reported.&nbsp;From stopping people from recording incidents of misconduct to delaying filing complaints, to investigating these allegations, the resulting bureaucratic push and pull obscures accountability. It results in a climate that discourages women from dissent, making mere participation riskier. It remains inconclusive whether the FIR against ACP Bhagat will be registered, or whether a complaint against Additional DCP Lamba will ever yield an outcome; until then, the gap is stark: the machinery that moves quickly against those who dissent moves slowly when the complaint is against its own.&nbsp;

Harassment allegations from three journalists, filmed slaps and a High Court order to preserve footage: allegations of misconduct against women protesters keep recurring, but the inquiries remain largely inconclusive in police hands.

On October 3, three women who identified themselves as journalists said Delhi Police sexually harassed them near Jantar Mantar, in protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. One of the three women told PTI that Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Vivek Bhagat allegedly sexually assaulted her and pushed her back after she asked why no women police personnel were present. Delhi Police acknowledged that three women journalists had made allegations of sexual harassment against officers and promised a “fair and impartial enquiry”. No FIR has been filed against Bhagat. Though this was not an isolated incident, there have been several instances of police misconduct against women protestors, with little to no accountability. Further back in July, during CJP's Sansad Chalo march, a 36-second video shows Additional DCP Sandeep Lamba allegedly slapping a woman near the Parliament complex. Former TMC MP Saket Gokhale then filed a police complaint against Lamba. Its outcome is not known. Also Read: Pope Leo XIV to undergo surgery for lung lesion detected at early stage

Harassment allegations from three journalists, filmed slaps and a High Court order to preserve footage: allegations of misconduct against women protesters keep recurring, but the inquiries remain largely inconclusive in police hands.

Is police misconduct against women normalised at Delhi protests, or a tool of institutional repression?

Opposition leaders are set to assemble at India Gate on Monday (October 12) and move to the Supreme Court to meet Chief Justice of India Surya Kant after 4 pm. They have also urged people to join their next round of protests. The move comes after security forces clamped down on thousands of protesters to stop a Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)-led movement seeking the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav is also set to join the INDIA bloc’s march tomorrow. Congress general secretary K C Venugopal said, “We appeal to every Indian concerned about the survival of Indian democracy to join us in a massive protest march in Delhi on Monday - against the nationwide Vote Chori orchestrated by the Modi-Shah regime.” He added, “INDIA MPs, leaders, workers and all concerned citizens will be holding a huge protest march against Gyanesh &amp; Co, and a delegation of our senior leaders will submit a memorandum to the Hon’ble CJI for his intervention in this crisis.”&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cjp-leaders-claim-their-phones-may-be-hacked-or-cloned-after-24-hour-detention-1791726709135">CJP leaders claim their phones may be ‘hacked or cloned’ after 24-hour detention</a><h3>Rahul Gandhi announces march towards SC</h3>In a post on social media platform X, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi announced that the Opposition leaders would march to the Supreme Court and submit a memorandum to the CJI, demanding an end to “vote chori”, a halt to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, and the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. “We will march to the Supreme Court as Indians, united beyond party, gender, caste, community and state. Youth, all opposition parties, civil society groups, all those who believe in democracy and stand by the Constitution of India, will walk with us,” he said on X. “Narendra Modi, Amit Shah, Ajit Doval and Mohan Bhagwat cannot silence India's voice. These cowards cannot intimidate us. They will have to step aside. We will march together, with love, brotherhood and patriotism," he also said. “Daro mat. Tomorrow, all of India will march to the Supreme Court,” he added.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Yesterday, the nation's young came out in Delhi to peacefully protest. They came with love in their hearts, not hatred or anger. They were beaten, both by cops and BJP goons. 

This is not the India we want.

Tomorrow, we will march to the Supreme Court as Indians, united beyond party, gender, caste, community and state. 

Youth, all opposition parties, civil society groups, all those who believe in democracy and stand by the Constitution of India, will walk with us.

We will submit a memorandum to the Chief Justice on behalf of the nation, demanding an end to vote chori, halting of SIR and the resignation of Gyanesh Kumar.

Narendra Modi, Amit Shah, Ajit Doval and Mohan Bhagwat cannot silence India's voice. These cowards cannot intimidate us. They will have to step aside.

We will march together, with love, brotherhood and patriotism.

Daro mat. 

Tomorrow, all of India will march to the Supreme Court. 

कल दिल्ली में देश का युवा शांतिपूर्ण विरोध के लिए सड़कों पर उतरा। उनके दिलों में नफ़रत या गुस्सा नहीं, मोहब्बत थी। लेकिन उन्हें पुलिस और BJP के गुंडों, दोनों ने पीटा।

ऐसा भारत हम नहीं चाहते।

कल, सोमवार 12 अक्टूबर को, हम भारतीय होने के नाते सुप्रीम कोर्ट तक मार्च करेंगे। पार्टी, महिला-पुरुष, जाति, समुदाय और राज्य की हर दीवार से ऊपर उठकर, हम सब एक साथ चलेंगे।

देश का युवा, तमाम विपक्षी दल, सिविल सोसाइटी और लोकतंत्र में विश्वास रखने वाले, भारत के संविधान के साथ खड़े सभी लोग हमारे साथ चलेंगे।

हम देश की ओर से मुख्य न्यायाधीश को एक ज्ञापन सौंपेंगे। हमारी माँग है - वोट चोरी बंद हो, SIR पर रोक लगे और ज्ञानेश कुमार इस्तीफ़ा दें।

नरेंद्र मोदी, अमित शाह, अजित डोभाल और मोहन भागवत भारत की आवाज़ को दबा नहीं सकते। ये कायर हमें डरा नहीं सकते। इन्हें पीछे हटना ही होगा।
हम सब साथ चलेंगे - मोहब्बत, भाईचारे और देशभक्ति के साथ।

डरो मत।

कल पूरा भारत सुप्रीम कोर्ट तक मार्च करेगा।

#ChaloDilli&mdash; Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://x.com/RahulGandhi/status/2109271519373545893?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 11, 2026</a></blockquote>
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Gandhi also condemned the treatment of protesters at Jantar Mantar on Saturday, alleging that they were beaten despite having gathered for a peaceful demonstration. He wrote, “Yesterday, the nation’s young came out in Delhi to peacefully protest. They came with love in their hearts, not hatred or anger. They were beaten, both by cops and BJP goons. This is not the India we want.”

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi announced that the Opposition leaders would march to the Supreme Court and submit a memorandum to the CJI, demanding an end to “vote chori”, a halt to SIR of electoral rolls, and the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

Opposition leaders are set to assemble at India Gate on Monday (October 12) and move to the Supreme Court to meet Chief Justice of India Surya Kant after 4 pm. They have also urged people to join their next round of protests. The move comes after security forces clamped down on thousands of protesters to stop a Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)-led movement seeking the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav is also set to join the INDIA bloc’s march tomorrow. Congress general secretary K C Venugopal said, “We appeal to every Indian concerned about the survival of Indian democracy to join us in a massive protest march in Delhi on Monday - against the nationwide Vote Chori orchestrated by the Modi-Shah regime.” He added, “INDIA MPs, leaders, workers and all concerned citizens will be holding a huge protest march against Gyanesh & Co, and a delegation of our senior leaders will submit a memorandum to the Hon’ble CJI for his intervention in this crisis.” Also read: CJP leaders claim their phones may be ‘hacked or cloned’ after 24-hour detention Rahul Gandhi announces march towards SC In a post on social media platform X, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi announced that the Opposition leaders would march to the Supreme Court and submit a memorandum to the CJI, demanding an end to “vote chori”, a halt to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, and the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. “We will march to the Supreme Court as Indians, united beyond party, gender, caste, community and state. Youth, all opposition parties, civil society groups, all those who believe in democracy and stand by the Constitution of India, will walk with us,” he said on X. “Narendra Modi, Amit Shah, Ajit Doval and Mohan Bhagwat cannot silence India's voice. These cowards cannot intimidate us. They will have to step aside. We will march together, with love, brotherhood and patriotism," he also said. “Daro mat. Tomorrow, all of India will march to the Supreme Court,” he added.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi announced that the Opposition leaders would march to the Supreme Court and submit a memorandum to the CJI, demanding an end to “vote chori”, a halt to SIR of electoral rolls, and the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

After crackdown on CJP, opposition to march to Supreme Court Monday over ‘vote chori', removal of CEC

A democracy aspiring to become the world’s third-largest economy and a global superpower cannot afford to mistake public dissent for a threat to the state, or allow political protests to become a substitute for constitutional processes. The October 10-11 protests led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls have brought this tension into sharp focus. What began as a campaign over voter-list revision has spilled across Jantar Mantar, Connaught Place and other parts of the capital, with police detentions, restrictions on movement, metro disruptions and mobile internet suspensions. The Supreme Court’s questioning of sweeping restrictions has added another dimension to the unfolding controversy. The events raise a fundamental question: can a government protect public order without appearing to shut out public opinion?&nbsp;Peaceful protest is the backbone of democracy, but the right to dissent does not confer a licence for anarchy. Equally, the authority to maintain law and order is not a blank cheque to inconvenience millions of citizens. India’s democratic strength lies in its ability to accommodate disagreement, correct administrative mistakes and resolve political disputes through dialogue. Neither the government nor the Opposition should exploit public anger for partisan advantage. The country needs answers, accountability and a way forward—not a contest over who can bring the capital to a standstill.&nbsp;<h2>A legitimate question, a constitutional responsibility</h2>&nbsp;The CJP mobilisation has tapped into a sensitive issue: whether the revision of electoral rolls could leave eligible citizens out of the democratic process. Opposition parties and protest organisers have alleged that large-scale deletions under SIR risk disenfranchising genuine voters and have questioned the Election Commission’s handling of the exercise. Their demand for accountability from CEC Gyanesh Kumar reflects a wider political dispute over the credibility and transparency of electoral administration. These allegations require examination against verifiable records, not acceptance or dismissal on political grounds alone.&nbsp;Cleaning electoral rolls is a legitimate administrative objective. Removing duplicate, deceased or otherwise ineligible entries can strengthen elections. But the process must be transparent, and every eligible citizen must have a fair opportunity to establish their identity and retain their voting rights. A voter should not lose the right to choose a government because of a spelling error, an administrative oversight or an inaccessible verification process. Deletion must be supported by due process, clear reasons and an effective appeal mechanism.&nbsp;The Opposition, however, must also walk the talk. Its responsibility is to present evidence, pursue legal remedies, scrutinise the Election Commission and press for corrective action. Turning a voter-rights campaign into a political show of strength risks blurring the line between public interest and party interest. Allegations of electoral manipulation must be substantiated; slogans alone cannot settle questions of fact.&nbsp;Gen Z’s participation is a welcome reminder that young Indians are not indifferent to democracy. Their energy can strengthen public accountability if it remains peaceful and issue-driven. But street mobilisation cannot become the final arbiter of constitutional disputes. Nor should protesters deliberately disrupt public services or intimidate citizens who disagree with them. A movement that champions democratic rights must respect the rights of others, too.&nbsp;<h2>Security cannot become a sledgehammer</h2>&nbsp;The Modi government and Delhi’s security establishment face a genuine responsibility to prevent violence, protect public property and manage crowds. Authorities may impose proportionate restrictions when credible security risks justify them. Yet the response to the CJP protest raises questions about whether the measures were calibrated to the actual threat.&nbsp;On October 10, reports described extensive barricading, detentions and restrictions affecting metro stations and public transport, alongside a 24-hour mobile internet suspension in parts of central Delhi. Demonstrations subsequently appeared at several locations, including Connaught Place and other areas, as protesters struggled to reach Jantar Mantar. The Supreme Court questioned the restrictions affecting transport and public access, underscoring that security measures must not become disproportionate.&nbsp;Here lies the government’s test. A blanket approach can create the very perception of panic that authorities may wish to avoid. When commuters, traders, students, workers and ordinary residents bear the cost of a political confrontation, the state risks turning a manageable protest into a larger public grievance. Internet restrictions also limit communication for people who have nothing to do with the agitation. Every curtailment must therefore have a clear legal basis, a demonstrated necessity, a narrow scope and a defined duration.&nbsp;The government should not abandon SIR simply because it faces opposition. Electoral-roll revision can serve the public interest, provided it is conducted impartially and with adequate safeguards. But a sound policy does not become immune from scrutiny because its stated objective is legitimate. If errors have occurred, they must be corrected; if allegations are unfounded, evidence should establish that. The Election Commission must communicate its methodology, publish relevant data and provide accessible procedures for checking, correcting and appealing entries.&nbsp;The administration also needs to distinguish peaceful demonstrators from those who may commit violence or deliberately obstruct essential services.&nbsp;<h2>Democracy belongs to the people</h2>&nbsp;India cannot aspire to global leadership while treating either dissent or accountability as a weakness. Nor can democracy flourish if every institutional disagreement is settled through street confrontation. The government, Election Commission and Opposition must sit together, establish the facts, address genuine voter grievances and agree on transparent safeguards for SIR. An independent, accessible grievance-redressal process would help restore public confidence.&nbsp;Ultimately, we-the-people are not spectators in a democracy; we are its foundation. Elections are a festival of participation, not merely a contest for power. Every eligible vote matters, every citizen deserves a fair hearing, and every institution must remain answerable to the Constitution.&nbsp;The street must not govern India, but neither should those in power govern as though the street has no voice. The answer is neither repression nor anarchy. It is dialogue, due process and accountability. A vibrant democracy is not one without protests; it is one capable of resolving the grievances behind them without allowing public order or political freedom to become casualties.

India’s democratic strength lies in its ability to accommodate disagreement, correct administrative mistakes and resolve political disputes through dialogue. Neither the government nor the Opposition should exploit public anger for partisan advantage.

A democracy aspiring to become the world’s third-largest economy and a global superpower cannot afford to mistake public dissent for a threat to the state, or allow political protests to become a substitute for constitutional processes. The October 10-11 protests led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls have brought this tension into sharp focus. What began as a campaign over voter-list revision has spilled across Jantar Mantar, Connaught Place and other parts of the capital, with police detentions, restrictions on movement, metro disruptions and mobile internet suspensions. The Supreme Court’s questioning of sweeping restrictions has added another dimension to the unfolding controversy. The events raise a fundamental question: can a government protect public order without appearing to shut out public opinion? Peaceful protest is the backbone of democracy, but the right to dissent does not confer a licence for anarchy. Equally, the authority to maintain law and order is not a blank cheque to inconvenience millions of citizens. India’s democratic strength lies in its ability to accommodate disagreement, correct administrative mistakes and resolve political disputes through dialogue. Neither the government nor the Opposition should exploit public anger for partisan advantage. The country needs answers, accountability and a way forward—not a contest over who can bring the capital to a standstill. A legitimate question, a constitutional responsibility The CJP mobilisation has tapped into a sensitive issue: whether the revision of electoral rolls could leave eligible citizens out of the democratic process. Opposition parties and protest organisers have alleged that large-scale deletions under SIR risk disenfranchising genuine voters and have questioned the Election Commission’s handling of the exercise. Their demand for accountability from CEC Gyanesh Kumar reflects a wider political dispute over the credibility and transparency of electoral administration. These allegations require examination against verifiable records, not acceptance or dismissal on political grounds alone. Cleaning electoral rolls is a legitimate administrative objective. Removing duplicate, deceased or otherwise ineligible entries can strengthen elections. But the process must be transparent, and every eligible citizen must have a fair opportunity to establish their identity and retain their voting rights. A voter should not lose the right to choose a government because of a spelling error, an administrative oversight or an inaccessible verification process. Deletion must be supported by due process, clear reasons and an effective appeal mechanism. The Opposition, however, must also walk the talk. Its responsibility is to present evidence, pursue legal remedies, scrutinise the Election Commission and press for corrective action. Turning a voter-rights campaign into a political show of strength risks blurring the line between public interest and party interest. Allegations of electoral manipulation must be substantiated; slogans alone cannot settle questions of fact. Gen Z’s participation is a welcome reminder that young Indians are not indifferent to democracy. Their energy can strengthen public accountability if it remains peaceful and issue-driven. But street mobilisation cannot become the final arbiter of constitutional disputes. Nor should protesters deliberately disrupt public services or intimidate citizens who disagree with them. A movement that champions democratic rights must respect the rights of others, too. Security cannot become a sledgehammer The Modi government and Delhi’s security establishment face a genuine responsibility to prevent violence, protect public property and manage crowds. Authorities may impose proportionate restrictions when credible security risks justify them. Yet the response to the CJP protest raises questions about whether the measures were calibrated to the actual threat. On October 10, reports described extensive barricading, detentions and restrictions affecting metro stations and public transport, alongside a 24-hour mobile internet suspension in parts of central Delhi. Demonstrations subsequently appeared at several locations, including Connaught Place and other areas, as protesters struggled to reach Jantar Mantar. The Supreme Court questioned the restrictions affecting transport and public access, underscoring that security measures must not become disproportionate. Here lies the government’s test. A blanket approach can create the very perception of panic that authorities may wish to avoid. When commuters, traders, students, workers and ordinary residents bear the cost of a political confrontation, the state risks turning a manageable protest into a larger public grievance. Internet restrictions also limit communication for people who have nothing to do with the agitation. Every curtailment must therefore have a clear legal basis, a demonstrated necessity, a narrow scope and a defined duration. The government should not abandon SIR simply because it faces opposition. Electoral-roll revision can serve the public interest, provided it is conducted impartially and with adequate safeguards. But a sound policy does not become immune from scrutiny because its stated objective is legitimate. If errors have occurred, they must be corrected; if allegations are unfounded, evidence should establish that. The Election Commission must communicate its methodology, publish relevant data and provide accessible procedures for checking, correcting and appealing entries. The administration also needs to distinguish peaceful demonstrators from those who may commit violence or deliberately obstruct essential services. Democracy belongs to the people India cannot aspire to global leadership while treating either dissent or accountability as a weakness. Nor can democracy flourish if every institutional disagreement is settled through street confrontation. The government, Election Commission and Opposition must sit together, establish the facts, address genuine voter grievances and agree on transparent safeguards for SIR. An independent, accessible grievance-redressal process would help restore public confidence. Ultimately, we-the-people are not spectators in a democracy; we are its foundation. Elections are a festival of participation, not merely a contest for power. Every eligible vote matters, every citizen deserves a fair hearing, and every institution must remain answerable to the Constitution. The street must not govern India, but neither should those in power govern as though the street has no voice. The answer is neither repression nor anarchy. It is dialogue, due process and accountability. A vibrant democracy is not one without protests; it is one capable of resolving the grievances behind them without allowing public order or political freedom to become casualties.

India’s democratic strength lies in its ability to accommodate disagreement, correct administrative mistakes and resolve political disputes through dialogue. Neither the government nor the Opposition should exploit public anger for partisan advantage.

The street cannot govern India, but the government cannot ignore it either

Just hours after signing a bond and being released by a Delhi court on Sunday, Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) leader Abhijeet Dipke vowed to resume the agitation, saying the party leader’s had not signed any bond promising not to protest.&nbsp;CJP leaders were released subject to a condition that they do not engage in any “breach of peace for one year”.&nbsp;Delhi Police said a surety bond of Rs 50,000 was furnished for maintaining peace and good behaviour for a year.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Haven’t signed any bond that says we won’t protest. We will hit the streets again,” Dipke said in a post on X.&nbsp;&nbsp;“The CJP will neither back down nor be intimidated. October 10 will go down as the beginning of the end of this dictatorship,” he said in another post.Dipke said he was heading to his hometown in Maharashtra to attend the last rites of his grandmother, who passed away on Saturday.&nbsp;Dipke, Ashutosh Ranka and Saurav Das were produced before the Executive Magistrate at Delhi Cantt Police Station following their preventive arrest. They were released by the executive magistrate.&nbsp;CJP Legal Affairs Head Ratna Singh took to X to state that the release was granted subject to an undertaking to maintain public order.&nbsp;“Condition - no breach of peace for one year,” she said in a post on X.&nbsp;<h2>Delhi Police defends detention: ‘Did not follow lawful directions, caused violence’</h2>&nbsp;Delhi Police defended the detention of Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) leaders amid the party’s protest against chief election commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.&nbsp;&nbsp;Addressing the media on Sunday, October 11, 2026, Delhi Police DCP Neha Yadav said the party had failed to honour previous undertakings and follow local directives. She alleged that a crowd mobilised by CJP had resorted to heavy stone-pelting, arson and violence during an earlier protest, causing significant damage to public property.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">#WATCH | Delhi | DCP Neha Yadav says, &quot;As soon as the Delhi Police received information about the passing away of Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) Founder Abhijeet Dipke's grandmother, officers approached him to convey this sad news and offered all possible assistance. They sensitively asked if he needed help with flights, phone calls, or anything else. They repeatedly asked if he wished to speak to his parents, but he declined...Regarding CJP, their past conduct showed a failure to adhere to previously given undertakings and local directives. When permission was granted previously, they did not abide by the law; the crowd they mobilized engaged in heavy stone-pelting, arson, and violence, causing significant damage to public property. Permission for the proposed sit-in protest at Janpath was denied due to the failure to follow prescribed procedures, a history of non-compliance with laws and guidelines, and the prevailing security and law-and-order situation. To ensure Delhi's security and protect the lives and property of its citizens, Section 133 BNSS was imposed in several areas of the city, prohibiting any form of gathering or protest. Abhijeet Dipke and two of their associates were detained on October 10 in connection with a call for a protest at Janpath as permission for the demonstration had not been granted&quot;&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://x.com/ANI/status/2109254848474698089?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 11, 2026</a></blockquote>
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Yadav said permission for the proposed demonstration was denied due to CJP’s alleged failure to follow prescribed procedures, its history of non-compliance with laws and guidelines, and the prevailing security situation. Section 133 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) had been imposed in several areas of Delhi, prohibiting gatherings and protests to maintain law and order and protect public property, she added.“Abhijeet Dipke and two of their associates were detained on October 10 in connection with a call for a protest at Janpath as permission for the demonstration had not been granted,” Yadav said. <h2>Over 100 protesters detained as protest enters second day </h2> Over 100 protesters were detained on Sunday as the CJP agitation entered its second day amid heavy security deployment across Delhi. Protesters raised slogans and marched towards Jantar Mantar, with several seen being dragged into police buses. Members of student organisations, including the Students' Federation of India (SFI), All India Students’ Association (AISA) and Krantikari Yuva Sangathan (KYS), and CJP supporters were detained while attempting to march to Jantar Mantar. CPI(M) Rajya Sabha MP John Brittas was also among those detained.

Delhi Police defended the detention of CJP leaders amid the protest against CEC Gyanesh Kumar, saying the party did not honour its previous undertakings. It said a crowd mobilised by CJP indulged in stone-pelting, arson, and violence during earlier protest, causing damage to property.

Just hours after signing a bond and being released by a Delhi court on Sunday, Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) leader Abhijeet Dipke vowed to resume the agitation, saying the party leader’s had not signed any bond promising not to protest. CJP leaders were released subject to a condition that they do not engage in any “breach of peace for one year”. Delhi Police said a surety bond of Rs 50,000 was furnished for maintaining peace and good behaviour for a year. “Haven’t signed any bond that says we won’t protest. We will hit the streets again,” Dipke said in a post on X. “The CJP will neither back down nor be intimidated. October 10 will go down as the beginning of the end of this dictatorship,” he said in another post. Dipke said he was heading to his hometown in Maharashtra to attend the last rites of his grandmother, who passed away on Saturday. Dipke, Ashutosh Ranka and Saurav Das were produced before the Executive Magistrate at Delhi Cantt Police Station following their preventive arrest. They were released by the executive magistrate. CJP Legal Affairs Head Ratna Singh took to X to state that the release was granted subject to an undertaking to maintain public order. “Condition - no breach of peace for one year,” she said in a post on X. Delhi Police defends detention: ‘Did not follow lawful directions, caused violence’ Delhi Police defended the detention of Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) leaders amid the party’s protest against chief election commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Addressing the media on Sunday, October 11, 2026, Delhi Police DCP Neha Yadav said the party had failed to honour previous undertakings and follow local directives. She alleged that a crowd mobilised by CJP had resorted to heavy stone-pelting, arson and violence during an earlier protest, causing significant damage to public property.

Delhi Police defended the detention of CJP leaders amid the protest against CEC Gyanesh Kumar, saying the party did not honour its previous undertakings. It said a crowd mobilised by CJP indulged in stone-pelting, arson, and violence during earlier protest, causing damage to property.

‘Haven’t signed bond saying we won’t protest’: CJP’s Dipke vows to hit streets again

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has written to the Commissioner of Police in Delhi late Saturday evening (October 10), demanding the release of Convenor Abhijeet Dipke and Co-Convenors Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka. It also demanded to provide information on the whereabouts of Dipke, Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka, who were detained by Delhi Police on Saturday morning shortly after landing in the national capital from Mumbai. In a formal letter addressed to the police commissioner, Ajinkya Shinde, Organisation In-charge of the Cockroach Janta Party, stated that the three leaders were detained inside the aircraft itself upon arrival at New Delhi. According to the letter, nearly 12 hours had passed since the detention with no information forthcoming about where the three men had been taken. Shinde wrote that the families of the detained leaders had not been informed, and that lawyers seeking details were being denied access to information. “Nobody knows where they have been taken, whether they are being held together or separately, or which agency has detained them,” the letter stated.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">It’s been 12 hours. No information. No accountability.

We demand: 

•Immediate release of @abhijeet_dipke , @SauravDassss &amp; @AshutoshRanka.
•Immediate disclosure of their whereabouts. 
•Immediate access to their lawyers. 

You cannot make people disappear and call it democracy.&mdash; Cockroach Janta Party - CJP (@Cockroachisback) <a href="https://x.com/Cockroachisback/status/2108971662154604757?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 10, 2026</a></blockquote>
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<h3>CJP raises concerns over legality of detention</h3>The letter described the situation as “completely unacceptable,” raising what it called grave concerns over the legality of the detention and potential violations of the detainees’ fundamental rights. It further argued that holding individuals incommunicado, without disclosing their whereabouts to family members or legal counsel, was a serious matter demanding immediate accountability.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/real-or-fake-pib-fact-checks-delhi-protest-videos-delhi-police-clarifies-on-gurdwara-bangla-sahib-clip-1791654359123">Real or fake? PIB fact-checks protest videos; Delhi Police clarifies on Gurdwara Bangla Sahib clip</a> In the letter, the CJP laid out three specific demands to the Delhi Police: Immediate release of Dipke, Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka, immediate disclosure of their whereabouts, and immediate access to their lawyers. The letter asserted that Delhi Police “must answer these questions without further delay,” adding that “no authority is above the law, and no one can be made to disappear from public view without accountability.” Concluding the letter, Shinde reiterated the party’s position: “We strongly condemn this action and demand... immediate release.” The letter was signed by Ajinkya Shinde in his capacity as Organisation In-charge of the Cockroach Janta Party, which describes itself as the “Voice of the Lazy &amp; Unemployed.”

Ajinkya Shinde, Organisation In-charge of the Cockroach Janta Party, stated that the three leaders were detained inside the aircraft itself upon arrival at New Delhi.

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has written to the Commissioner of Police in Delhi late Saturday evening (October 10), demanding the release of Convenor Abhijeet Dipke and Co-Convenors Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka. It also demanded to provide information on the whereabouts of Dipke, Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka, who were detained by Delhi Police on Saturday morning shortly after landing in the national capital from Mumbai. In a formal letter addressed to the police commissioner, Ajinkya Shinde, Organisation In-charge of the Cockroach Janta Party, stated that the three leaders were detained inside the aircraft itself upon arrival at New Delhi. According to the letter, nearly 12 hours had passed since the detention with no information forthcoming about where the three men had been taken. Shinde wrote that the families of the detained leaders had not been informed, and that lawyers seeking details were being denied access to information. “Nobody knows where they have been taken, whether they are being held together or separately, or which agency has detained them,” the letter stated.

Ajinkya Shinde, Organisation In-charge of the Cockroach Janta Party, stated that the three leaders were detained inside the aircraft itself upon arrival at New Delhi.

'It’s been 12 hours': CJP writes to Delhi Police, demands release of Dipke, Saurav Das and Ranka

Amid the ongoing protest led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) in Delhi, authorities have debunked several fake or misleading videos being shared on social media. This comes as CJP leaders, the Opposition and student groups stage protests at Jantar Mantar and other parts of Delhi, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. However, several posts circulating on social media have been falsely linked to the ongoing protest. As the Delhi Police beefs up security across the national capital, the Press Information Bureau (PIB) has fact-checked several fake posts. Meanwhile, Delhi Police clarified on a video circulating on social media claiming to show police in Gurdwara Bangla Sahib<h2>Delhi Police clarifies on Gurdwara Bangla Sahib video</h2>A video went viral on social media claiming to show police personnel entering Gurdwara Bangla Sahib while wearing shoes.In a post on X, Delhi Police wrote, “In the circulated video some police staff is shown walking in the common passage, used by all devotees to reach the point where shoes are taken off to enter the Gurdwara. The process is the same for all devotees coming to Gurdwara. The video showing the same is attached.”“The video has been circulated deliberately with malicious intent, to outrage the feelings of a respectable religious community and is prejudicial to the religious harmony. Legal action is being initiated,” it added.

<h2>PIB Fact Check on protest videos</h2>In a post, the PIB Fact Check debunked a video circulated online claiming to show footage of a protest at Jantar Mantar. However, the footage was not related to the ongoing protest but “originally from a protest at Aligarh Muslim University (AMU).”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">A video is being circulated online as footage of a protest at Jantar Mantar.

#PIBFactCheck:

❌ This video is NOT related to a protest at #JantarMantar.

✅ The footage is originally from a protest at Aligarh Muslim University (AMU).

⚠️ Do not share or rely on unverified information.&mdash; PIB Fact Check (@PIBFactCheck) <a href="https://x.com/PIBFactCheck/status/2108867726743888118?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 10, 2026</a></blockquote>
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Another video was being shared by a “Pakistani propaganda account” claiming that Delhi Police opened fire during the protest. PIB Fact Check debunked the footage, saying it was “old and is being shared with a misleading claim.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🚨 FAKE CLAIM ALERT

A Pakistani propaganda account is circulating a video with the false claim that Delhi Police opened fire during a protest in Delhi.

#PIBFactCheck

❌ This video is NOT related to a protest at #JantarMantar

✅ The footage is old and is being shared with a misleading claim.

⚠️ Do not share or rely on unverified information.&mdash; PIB Fact Check (@PIBFactCheck) <a href="https://x.com/PIBFactCheck/status/2108872588470685801?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 10, 2026</a></blockquote>
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PIB Fact Check debunked another fake post: “Several social media posts falsely claim authorities deliberately dumped garbage to disrupt protests in Delhi.”“The video is from Panipat, Haryana. It dates back to August 2026 and is related with sanitation workers' strike over service demands,” it said.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">FAKE NEWS ALERT! 🚨

Several social media posts falsely claim authorities deliberately dumped garbage to disrupt protests in Delhi

#PIBFactCheck

❌ This claim is FAKE

✅ The video is from Panipat, Haryana. It dates back to August 2026 and is related with sanitation workers' strike over service demands&mdash; PIB Fact Check (@PIBFactCheck) <a href="https://x.com/PIBFactCheck/status/2108877772768837733?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 10, 2026</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Several social media posts are circulating an old video, falsely claiming that it shows protests in Delhi. 

The same old footage is also being shared with the false claim that it shows huge crowds outside New Delhi Railway Station.

#PIBFactCheck

❌ The claims are FAKE.

✅ The video is from Sealdah Railway Station in West Bengal and dates back to July 2026.

▶️ Do not share/ forward unverifird information.&mdash; PIB Fact Check (@PIBFactCheck) <a href="https://x.com/PIBFactCheck/status/2108885221492044054?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 10, 2026</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">FAKE NEWS ALERT

❌ A video is being circulated on social media with the claim that passengers are travelling to Delhi on goods trains to join protests in Delhi.

#PIBFactCheck

✅ This claim is FALSE and MISLEADING . The video is originally from Bangladesh and does not depict the situation as claimed.

▶️ Do not fall for misleading claims. Verify information through official sources before sharing or forwarding.&mdash; PIB Fact Check (@PIBFactCheck) <a href="https://x.com/PIBFactCheck/status/2108890226915787151?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 10, 2026</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">FAKE NEWS/ DISINFORMATION ALERT🚨

A video is being circulated on social media with the false claim that it shows crowds arriving in Delhi.

#PIBFactCheck

❌ The claim is fake.

✅ The video is old and dates back to the 2021 farmers’ protests.

📢 Citizens are advised to verify information through official sources and refrain from sharing misleading content.&mdash; PIB Fact Check (@PIBFactCheck) <a href="https://x.com/PIBFactCheck/status/2108897360902517198?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 10, 2026</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">FAKE NEWS/ DISINFORMATION ALERT

A video is being circulated on social media falsely claiming that youths have gathered at Jantar Mantar.

❌ CLAIM: FALSE

✅ FACT CHECK: The video is old and dates back to July 2026. It is being circulated with a misleading claim and should not be treated as evidence of a current gathering.

📢 Citizens are urged to exercise caution, verify information through official and credible sources, and refrain from forwarding unverified or misleading content.

Stay informed. Verify before you share.

#PIBFactCheck&mdash; PIB Fact Check (@PIBFactCheck) <a href="https://x.com/PIBFactCheck/status/2108911762217316552?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 10, 2026</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">⚠️ OLD VIDEO ALERT ⚠️

सोशल मीडिया पर वायरल एक पुराना वीडियो दिल्ली के जंतर-मंतर के हालिया घटनाक्रम से जोड़कर फर्जी दावे के साथ प्रसारित किया जा रहा है।

#PIBFactCheck

✅ यह वीडियो जुलाई 2026 का है और इसमें मध्य प्रदेश के भोपाल में किसानों के विरोध प्रदर्शन के दृश्य हैं। इसका दिल्ली के जंतर-मंतर से कोई संबंध नहीं है।

📢 नागरिकों से अपील है कि जानकारी को आधिकारिक स्रोतों से सत्यापित करें और भ्रामक सामग्री साझा करने से बचें।&mdash; PIB Fact Check (@PIBFactCheck) <a href="https://x.com/PIBFactCheck/status/2108943197129023921?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 10, 2026</a></blockquote>
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PIB Fact Check debunked misleading videos falsely linked to Delhi’s CJP protest, including footage from AMU and Panipat. Delhi Police also clarified a viral Gurdwara Bangla Sahib clip, warning of legal action over its alleged malicious circulation.

Amid the ongoing protest led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) in Delhi, authorities have debunked several fake or misleading videos being shared on social media. This comes as CJP leaders, the Opposition and student groups stage protests at Jantar Mantar and other parts of Delhi, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. However, several posts circulating on social media have been falsely linked to the ongoing protest. As the Delhi Police beefs up security across the national capital, the Press Information Bureau (PIB) has fact-checked several fake posts. Meanwhile, Delhi Police clarified on a video circulating on social media claiming to show police in Gurdwara Bangla Sahib Delhi Police clarifies on Gurdwara Bangla Sahib video A video went viral on social media claiming to show police personnel entering Gurdwara Bangla Sahib while wearing shoes. In a post on X, Delhi Police wrote, “In the circulated video some police staff is shown walking in the common passage, used by all devotees to reach the point where shoes are taken off to enter the Gurdwara. The process is the same for all devotees coming to Gurdwara. The video showing the same is attached.” “The video has been circulated deliberately with malicious intent, to outrage the feelings of a respectable religious community and is prejudicial to the religious harmony. Legal action is being initiated,” it added.

PIB Fact Check debunked misleading videos falsely linked to Delhi’s CJP protest, including footage from AMU and Panipat. Delhi Police also clarified a viral Gurdwara Bangla Sahib clip, warning of legal action over its alleged malicious circulation.

Real or fake? PIB fact-checks protest videos; Delhi Police clarifies on Gurdwara Bangla Sahib clip

Supreme Court will hold a special sitting on Sunday, October 11, to hear a plea challenging the preventive detention of opposition leaders, including four former chief ministers, during protests in Delhi against CEC Gyanesh Kumar. The petition, filed by Trinamool Congress MP and senior advocate Menaka Guruswamy, argues that preventive detention cannot be used to suppress the fundamental right to peaceful protest.A bench of Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana will convene to address the matters, which ordinarily would not be heard on a Sunday when the apex court is closed.&nbsp;According to Menaka Guruswamy, such preventive detention is being misused to suppress peaceful democratic dissent, particularly against leaders who have previously governed States. The case will be heard along with a separate contempt of court petition alleging that Delhi Metro stations remained closed on October 10, despite the Court's October 9 order against a complete shutdown of public transport ahead of the protests.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/manipur-kuki-naga-clashes-five-killed-kamjong-ukhrul-1791643054054">5 killed in fresh Kuki-Naga clashes in Manipur, 10 houses torched</a>The contempt of court petition was filed by advocate Shailendra Mani Tripathi against Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, Delhi Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar, and DMRC Chairperson D. Thara. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) initially ordered the total closure of 57 stations ahead of the protests; however, after a bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant directed authorities to regulate rather than prohibit traffic, warning them “not to use a hammer to kill a fly”, the DMRC officially revised its directive, reducing the number of affected stations to 45.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Supreme Court will hear Menaka Guruswamy’s plea against preventive detention of opposition leaders and a contempt petition over Delhi Metro station closures.

Supreme Court will hold a special sitting on Sunday, October 11, to hear a plea challenging the preventive detention of opposition leaders, including four former chief ministers, during protests in Delhi against CEC Gyanesh Kumar. The petition, filed by Trinamool Congress MP and senior advocate Menaka Guruswamy, argues that preventive detention cannot be used to suppress the fundamental right to peaceful protest. A bench of Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana will convene to address the matters, which ordinarily would not be heard on a Sunday when the apex court is closed. According to Menaka Guruswamy, such preventive detention is being misused to suppress peaceful democratic dissent, particularly against leaders who have previously governed States. The case will be heard along with a separate contempt of court petition alleging that Delhi Metro stations remained closed on October 10, despite the Court's October 9 order against a complete shutdown of public transport ahead of the protests. Also Read: 5 killed in fresh Kuki-Naga clashes in Manipur, 10 houses torched The contempt of court petition was filed by advocate Shailendra Mani Tripathi against Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, Delhi Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar, and DMRC Chairperson D. Thara. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) initially ordered the total closure of 57 stations ahead of the protests; however, after a bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant directed authorities to regulate rather than prohibit traffic, warning them “not to use a hammer to kill a fly”, the DMRC officially revised its directive, reducing the number of affected stations to 45.

Supreme Court will hear Menaka Guruswamy’s plea against preventive detention of opposition leaders and a contempt petition over Delhi Metro station closures.

Delhi protest: SC to hear plea against opposition leaders’ detention in special Sunday sitting

The INDIA bloc is planning to organise a mega protest on Monday (October 12) as the crackdown in Delhi continued on Saturday over protests against CEC Gyanesh Kumar. The ongoing protest is against the alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. TMC chief and former West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee will also join INDIA bloc's protest on Monday. Therefore, Banerjee has rescheduled her travel plans, cancelling her scheduled return to Kolkata and deciding to stay in the national capital. Meanwhile, Banerjee was detained by Delhi police on Saturday (October 10) before joining the CJP protest. Previously, she sat on dharna on the road near South Avenue bus stand.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nia-files-fir-in-flydubai-hijack-attempt-and-attack-on-smit-machchhar-probes-larger-conspiracy-1791635544373">NIA files FIR in Flydubai hijack attempt and attack on Smit Machchhar, probes ‘larger conspiracy’</a><h3>Wangchuk's warns to launch 'padyatra' if…</h3>Ladakhi activist Sonam Wangchuk warned of launching a hunger strike or a foot march if the detained leaders in Delhi on Saturday are not released by tomorrow. Wangchuk's announcement comes after several political leaders, activists and protesters, including CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke, AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal and TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee, were detained by Delhi Police. They were detained as they tried to move to the Jantar Mantar to protest against alleged irregularities in the functioning of the Election Commission. In a video message shared across his social media platforms, the activist alleged that the country was currently living through an “undeclared emergency.” "Yesterday when I posted a message appealing for unity and peace in today's protest, I had never imagined that the biggest democracy in the world would be under an undeclared EMERGENCY," he wrote. Wangchuk, who had lent his support to the anti-CEC protest, was unable to join the agitation in Delhi in person. He said he had initially taken comfort in knowing there were enough leaders to steer the movement forward, only to later learn that all of them had been arrested. He expressed hope that those detained would be released soon, while cautioning that he may be left with no choice but to consider undertaking an Anshan Fast or a Padyatra March should the arrested leaders not be freed by Sunday.&nbsp;

The ongoing protest is against the alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. TMC chief and former West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee will also join INDIA bloc's protest on Monday.

The INDIA bloc is planning to organise a mega protest on Monday (October 12) as the crackdown in Delhi continued on Saturday over protests against CEC Gyanesh Kumar. The ongoing protest is against the alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. TMC chief and former West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee will also join INDIA bloc's protest on Monday. Therefore, Banerjee has rescheduled her travel plans, cancelling her scheduled return to Kolkata and deciding to stay in the national capital. Meanwhile, Banerjee was detained by Delhi police on Saturday (October 10) before joining the CJP protest. Previously, she sat on dharna on the road near South Avenue bus stand. Also read: NIA files FIR in Flydubai hijack attempt and attack on Smit Machchhar, probes ‘larger conspiracy’ Wangchuk's warns to launch 'padyatra' if… Ladakhi activist Sonam Wangchuk warned of launching a hunger strike or a foot march if the detained leaders in Delhi on Saturday are not released by tomorrow. Wangchuk's announcement comes after several political leaders, activists and protesters, including CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke, AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal and TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee, were detained by Delhi Police. They were detained as they tried to move to the Jantar Mantar to protest against alleged irregularities in the functioning of the Election Commission. In a video message shared across his social media platforms, the activist alleged that the country was currently living through an “undeclared emergency.” "Yesterday when I posted a message appealing for unity and peace in today's protest, I had never imagined that the biggest democracy in the world would be under an undeclared EMERGENCY," he wrote. Wangchuk, who had lent his support to the anti-CEC protest, was unable to join the agitation in Delhi in person. He said he had initially taken comfort in knowing there were enough leaders to steer the movement forward, only to later learn that all of them had been arrested. He expressed hope that those detained would be released soon, while cautioning that he may be left with no choice but to consider undertaking an Anshan Fast or a Padyatra March should the arrested leaders not be freed by Sunday.

The ongoing protest is against the alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. TMC chief and former West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee will also join INDIA bloc's protest on Monday.

INDIA bloc plans mega protest on Monday amid Delhi crackdown, Wangchuk's warns to launch 'padyatra'

More than 70 roadblocks turned Central Delhi red on Google Maps on Saturday (October 10) amid the ongoing CJP protest against Gyanesh Kumar, demanding his resignation from the post of Chief Election Commissioner. Commuters across Central Delhi experienced heavy traffic snarls after police launched stringent security around Jantar Mantar and other parts of Delhi. Traffic restrictions took effect across Delhi from 6 am, with barricades and vehicle checks on major routes slowing movement considerably and leading to long queues on several busy stretches. Google Maps' traffic view reflected this disruption clearly, showing widespread congestion across central Delhi roads, with lines marked in red showing slow-moving traffic throughout the region.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-mp-ravi-shankar-prasad-slams-cjp-protests-calls-it-shadow-boxing-for-aap-1791633746970">BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad slams CJP protests, calls it ‘shadow boxing for AAP’</a><h3>Worst disrupted routes</h3>The worst of the disruption was visible around Connaught Place, Janpath, Jantar Mantar and nearby routes, with congestion also spilling over into roads connecting the broader Central Delhi area. Barakhamba Road, Janpath, Ashoka Road and Sansad Marg all appeared affected, as did routes leading toward India Gate and the Central Secretariat. While traffic crawled to a halt in some areas, vehicles managed to move more freely in others. Congestion remained particularly concentrated around major junctions and roads leading to Jantar Mantar, a direct result of the security checks and restrictions enforced near the protest site. Commuters travelling through Connaught Place, Janpath, Barakhamba Road, and the India Gate–Central Secretariat corridor bore the brunt of the delays, with traffic inching along at a snail’s pace through these stretches. These security measures were accompanied by additional restrictions on public transport and mobile internet access. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation announced that entry and exit gates at 57 stations would remain shut from 9 pm on Friday until conditions returned to normal on Saturday. Separately, mobile internet services across parts of central Delhi were suspended for 24 hours starting at 10 pm on Friday.

Traffic restrictions took effect across Delhi from 6 am, with barricades and vehicle checks on major routes slowing movement considerably and leading to long queues on several busy stretches. 

More than 70 roadblocks turned Central Delhi red on Google Maps on Saturday (October 10) amid the ongoing CJP protest against Gyanesh Kumar, demanding his resignation from the post of Chief Election Commissioner. Commuters across Central Delhi experienced heavy traffic snarls after police launched stringent security around Jantar Mantar and other parts of Delhi. Traffic restrictions took effect across Delhi from 6 am, with barricades and vehicle checks on major routes slowing movement considerably and leading to long queues on several busy stretches. Google Maps' traffic view reflected this disruption clearly, showing widespread congestion across central Delhi roads, with lines marked in red showing slow-moving traffic throughout the region. Also read: BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad slams CJP protests, calls it ‘shadow boxing for AAP’ Worst disrupted routes The worst of the disruption was visible around Connaught Place, Janpath, Jantar Mantar and nearby routes, with congestion also spilling over into roads connecting the broader Central Delhi area. Barakhamba Road, Janpath, Ashoka Road and Sansad Marg all appeared affected, as did routes leading toward India Gate and the Central Secretariat. While traffic crawled to a halt in some areas, vehicles managed to move more freely in others. Congestion remained particularly concentrated around major junctions and roads leading to Jantar Mantar, a direct result of the security checks and restrictions enforced near the protest site. Commuters travelling through Connaught Place, Janpath, Barakhamba Road, and the India Gate–Central Secretariat corridor bore the brunt of the delays, with traffic inching along at a snail’s pace through these stretches. These security measures were accompanied by additional restrictions on public transport and mobile internet access. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation announced that entry and exit gates at 57 stations would remain shut from 9 pm on Friday until conditions returned to normal on Saturday. Separately, mobile internet services across parts of central Delhi were suspended for 24 hours starting at 10 pm on Friday.

Traffic restrictions took effect across Delhi from 6 am, with barricades and vehicle checks on major routes slowing movement considerably and leading to long queues on several busy stretches.&nbsp;

More than 70 roadblocks turn Central Delhi red on Google Maps amid CJP protest

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal and former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee were detained in Delhi on Saturday (Oct 10) amid a Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)-led protest demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The detentions came as police tightened security across the national capital, with thousands of personnel deployed to prevent protesters from marching towards Jantar Mantar.Delhi Police sources told ANI that around 1,000 protesters had been detained across the capital while attempting to march towards the protest site. The demonstration centres on allegations of irregularities in the revision of electoral rolls.<h2>Kejriwal criticises detentions</h2>Kejriwal had announced earlier that he would participate in the CJP protest along with his family. The AAP subsequently alleged that heavy security had been deployed outside his residence.According to a Hindustan Times report, Kejriwal criticised the detention of CJP leaders and described the situation as “worse than the Emergency”.<h2>Mamata claims she was ‘kidnapped’</h2>Banerjee was detained along with several Trinamool Congress leaders during a protest near her South Avenue residence. She later said she had been taken to Dwarka North police station with five MPs and announced that she would remain in Delhi to participate in the INDIA bloc’s planned march on Monday.“4pm. Along with our 5 MPs, we have started our dharna at Dwarka North PS where we have been brought. We were kidnapped and driven around in a prison van for two hours. I am not returning to Kolkata tonight and in protest against all that is happening today against the youth and all, I will join the I.N.D.I.A march on Monday,” she said in a post on X.<h2>Heavy security, metro restrictions across Delhi</h2>CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke, along with Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka, was detained at Indira Gandhi International Airport, a senior police officer confirmed. More than 1,500 CJP supporters were also reported to have been detained from different parts of Delhi as a preventive measure.Around 35,000 police and paramilitary personnel were deployed across the capital. Barricades and vehicle checks were introduced around central Delhi and along routes leading to Jantar Mantar.The security arrangements also affected public transport. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation restricted entry and exit at 45 stations from 9 pm on Friday until 6 pm on Saturday, revising an earlier list of 57 stations. Interchange facilities remained available at the affected stations, except New Delhi.The Election Commission has maintained that the electoral-roll revision involves verification and that eligible voters removed from draft rolls can enrol again.

Arvind Kejriwal and Mamata Banerjee were detained in Delhi during a CJP-led protest demanding CEC Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation, as mass detentions and security restrictions affected the capital.

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal and former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee were detained in Delhi on Saturday (Oct 10) amid a Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)-led protest demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The detentions came as police tightened security across the national capital, with thousands of personnel deployed to prevent protesters from marching towards Jantar Mantar. Delhi Police sources told ANI that around 1,000 protesters had been detained across the capital while attempting to march towards the protest site. The demonstration centres on allegations of irregularities in the revision of electoral rolls. Kejriwal criticises detentions Kejriwal had announced earlier that he would participate in the CJP protest along with his family. The AAP subsequently alleged that heavy security had been deployed outside his residence. According to a Hindustan Times report, Kejriwal criticised the detention of CJP leaders and described the situation as “worse than the Emergency”. Mamata claims she was ‘kidnapped’ Banerjee was detained along with several Trinamool Congress leaders during a protest near her South Avenue residence. She later said she had been taken to Dwarka North police station with five MPs and announced that she would remain in Delhi to participate in the INDIA bloc’s planned march on Monday. “4pm. Along with our 5 MPs, we have started our dharna at Dwarka North PS where we have been brought. We were kidnapped and driven around in a prison van for two hours. I am not returning to Kolkata tonight and in protest against all that is happening today against the youth and all, I will join the I.N.D.I.A march on Monday,” she said in a post on X. Heavy security, metro restrictions across Delhi CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke, along with Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka, was detained at Indira Gandhi International Airport, a senior police officer confirmed. More than 1,500 CJP supporters were also reported to have been detained from different parts of Delhi as a preventive measure. Around 35,000 police and paramilitary personnel were deployed across the capital. Barricades and vehicle checks were introduced around central Delhi and along routes leading to Jantar Mantar. The security arrangements also affected public transport. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation restricted entry and exit at 45 stations from 9 pm on Friday until 6 pm on Saturday, revising an earlier list of 57 stations. Interchange facilities remained available at the affected stations, except New Delhi. The Election Commission has maintained that the electoral-roll revision involves verification and that eligible voters removed from draft rolls can enrol again.

Arvind Kejriwal and Mamata Banerjee were detained in Delhi during a CJP-led protest demanding CEC Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation, as mass detentions and security restrictions affected the capital.

Arvind Kejriwal, Mamata Banerjee detained amid CJP protest in Delhi; around 1,000 protesters detained

As the Jantar Mantar protest is ongoing, BJP national spokesperson Sambit Patra has held a press conference where he said, "The four-kilometer area of Jantar Mantar is not the story of India.” Further adding that "There are some anarchists involved in Delhi and Jantar Mantar.”&nbsp;&nbsp;As he continued to say that India quiet, only a corner in Delhi is protesting. The protest site has thousands of security forces deployed; many demonstrators have been detained. While the BJP leader said, “There were attempts to hold Delhi captive. They wanted violence here; they wanted to create unrest.” In a stern tone, he declared, “the anarchists have failed”, continuing that “there is anarchy within the anarchists also.”

BJP national spokesperson Sambit Patra says the Jantar Mantar protests in Delhi failed to create unrest or hold the capital captive amid heavy police deployment and detentions.

As the Jantar Mantar protest is ongoing, BJP national spokesperson Sambit Patra has held a press conference where he said, "The four-kilometer area of Jantar Mantar is not the story of India.” Further adding that "There are some anarchists involved in Delhi and Jantar Mantar.” As he continued to say that India quiet, only a corner in Delhi is protesting. The protest site has thousands of security forces deployed; many demonstrators have been detained. While the BJP leader said, “There were attempts to hold Delhi captive. They wanted violence here; they wanted to create unrest.” In a stern tone, he declared, “the anarchists have failed”, continuing that “there is anarchy within the anarchists also.”

BJP national spokesperson Sambit Patra says the Jantar Mantar protests in Delhi failed to create unrest or hold the capital captive amid heavy police deployment and detentions.

'Jantar Mantar not the story of India': BJP's Sambit Patra claims 'anarchists' tried to hold Delhi captive

Delhi Police on Friday urged journalists covering demonstrations to maintain distance from protesters, with Additional DCP New Delhi Manjeet Sheoran alleging that some media personnel participate in protests and obstruct police operations. The remarks come days after three women who identified themselves as journalists alleged that they were manhandled by police personnel during their detention at a protest against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise at Jantar Mantar on October 3.<h2>‘Journalism has its role’</h2>Addressing the issue, Sheoran said police had repeatedly appealed to journalists to cover demonstrations from a distance rather than enter the middle of a protest.“Some protestors come one day as a journalist and come the other day as a protestor. We keep appealing to them that you keep a little distance from the protestors, cover it from a distance. But still, they come in between and put obstacles in our work,” he said.The Delhi Police also posted a message on X emphasising the role of the media, stating, “Journalism has its role; journalism is not to be rolled.”Three women journalists allege manhandlingOn October 4, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Neha Yadav said three women journalists had lodged a complaint alleging manhandling by Delhi Police officers and staff during their detention at the October 3 demonstration.“On 03-10-26, during the protest in the New Delhi area, while being in law and order situation, allegations of sexual harassment were made by three female journalists against police officers. New Delhi District has received their complaints,” Delhi Police said in an earlier post on X.Yadav said the complaints had been registered, medical examinations conducted, and the matter referred to the Crime Branch for further investigation.<h2>NHRC seeks report from Delhi Police</h2>The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) took suo motu cognisance of media reports on Thursday concerning the alleged sexual harassment of the three women by police personnel during the protest.In a release, the Commission said the allegations, if true, raised serious concerns about possible human rights violations. It subsequently issued a notice to the Delhi Police Commissioner, seeking a detailed report on the matter within two weeks.The allegations remain under investigation, with the Crime Branch handling the case.

Delhi Police urged journalists to keep their distance from protesters as three women journalists’ allegations of manhandling and sexual harassment during an October 3 SIR protest face a Crime Branch probe and NHRC scrutiny.

Delhi Police on Friday urged journalists covering demonstrations to maintain distance from protesters, with Additional DCP New Delhi Manjeet Sheoran alleging that some media personnel participate in protests and obstruct police operations. The remarks come days after three women who identified themselves as journalists alleged that they were manhandled by police personnel during their detention at a protest against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise at Jantar Mantar on October 3. ‘Journalism has its role’ Addressing the issue, Sheoran said police had repeatedly appealed to journalists to cover demonstrations from a distance rather than enter the middle of a protest. “Some protestors come one day as a journalist and come the other day as a protestor. We keep appealing to them that you keep a little distance from the protestors, cover it from a distance. But still, they come in between and put obstacles in our work,” he said. The Delhi Police also posted a message on X emphasising the role of the media, stating, “Journalism has its role; journalism is not to be rolled.” Three women journalists allege manhandling On October 4, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Neha Yadav said three women journalists had lodged a complaint alleging manhandling by Delhi Police officers and staff during their detention at the October 3 demonstration. “On 03-10-26, during the protest in the New Delhi area, while being in law and order situation, allegations of sexual harassment were made by three female journalists against police officers. New Delhi District has received their complaints,” Delhi Police said in an earlier post on X. Yadav said the complaints had been registered, medical examinations conducted, and the matter referred to the Crime Branch for further investigation. NHRC seeks report from Delhi Police The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) took suo motu cognisance of media reports on Thursday concerning the alleged sexual harassment of the three women by police personnel during the protest. In a release, the Commission said the allegations, if true, raised serious concerns about possible human rights violations. It subsequently issued a notice to the Delhi Police Commissioner, seeking a detailed report on the matter within two weeks. The allegations remain under investigation, with the Crime Branch handling the case.

Delhi Police urged journalists to keep their distance from protesters as three women journalists’ allegations of manhandling and sexual harassment during an October 3 SIR protest face a Crime Branch probe and NHRC scrutiny.

Delhi Police urges journalists to ‘keep a little distance from protesters’ amid molestation row

Opposition leaders in Delhi are awaiting a response from the President regarding their request for a meeting amid ongoing protests. The opposition is seeking an opportunity to raise its concerns and present its position on the issues behind the demonstrations. The development comes amid heightened political activity in the national capital, with attention focused on whether the President’s office will respond to the meeting request.

Delhi protest: Opposition awaits president's response to meeting request 

A Delhi Court has sought a report from Delhi Police about allegations of "custodial torture" by two protestors who were arrested on Monday for demonstrating outside Parliament Street police station, asking for the registration of a first information report (FIR) against ACP Vivek Bhagat. The court also ordered the Police to preserve relevant CCTV footage from the Parliament Street police station. The court, while granting bail to 17 students and independent journalists, cited their "very young age" and that "most of them are students who were exercising their democratic right to dissent."During the hearing at the Patiala House Court, the MLC produced before the court showed that three accused — Samarth Singh, Sheikh Yunus and Dharmender were injured. Dharmender and Samarth told the court they were beaten within the police station after being detained, while Yunus said he was injured after being pushed during the protest.“As per their MLCs, injuries have been reported on accused Samarth Singh, which are like abrasions. Injuries have also been reported on accused Sheikh Yunus, which are like tenderness and swelling, and injuries have also been reported on accused Dharmender, which are like abrasion, contusions and swelling,” said the court.According to investigating officers, the protestors were arrested for being part of unlawful assembly, obstructing a public place despite a prohibitory order, and allegedly manhandling police personnel, including a woman, during detention.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-france-unrest-migration-islam-takeover-claim-1791301773803">Trump blames France unrest on ‘out-of-control migration’ and 'Islam'</a>The police also claimed that the protestors damaged the window and rear glass of a bus in which they were detained and did not cooperate with the investigation. The defence argued that only 17 of around 50 protesters had been arrested and that the police had not produced CCTV footage of the alleged incident.“It is further argued that the accused persons are of very young age and most of them are students who were exercising their democratic right to dissent and to protest."In its order, the court said, “It should be noted that allegations against the accused are serious in nature. One police official has allegedly sustained injuries as per the medico-legal case (MLC) produced by the IO.”“However, it cannot be ignored that all the offences involved in the present case, except offences punishable under sections 132 (assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of his duty) and 190 (unlawful assembly) of the BNS are bailable in nature, and even the offence punishable under BNS Section 132 provides for maximum imprisonment of two years only,” the court said.The court observed that these are not habitual offender have their entire "career lying ahead", so the accused were granted bail on the condition of furnishing a personal bail bond of ₹15,000, and they were prohibited from leaving the country without prior permission.

A Delhi court has sought a police report on custodial torture allegations against officers and ordered CCTV footage to be preserved while granting bail to 17 protesters.

A Delhi Court has sought a report from Delhi Police about allegations of "custodial torture" by two protestors who were arrested on Monday for demonstrating outside Parliament Street police station, asking for the registration of a first information report (FIR) against ACP Vivek Bhagat. The court also ordered the Police to preserve relevant CCTV footage from the Parliament Street police station. The court, while granting bail to 17 students and independent journalists, cited their "very young age" and that "most of them are students who were exercising their democratic right to dissent." During the hearing at the Patiala House Court, the MLC produced before the court showed that three accused — Samarth Singh, Sheikh Yunus and Dharmender were injured. Dharmender and Samarth told the court they were beaten within the police station after being detained, while Yunus said he was injured after being pushed during the protest. “As per their MLCs, injuries have been reported on accused Samarth Singh, which are like abrasions. Injuries have also been reported on accused Sheikh Yunus, which are like tenderness and swelling, and injuries have also been reported on accused Dharmender, which are like abrasion, contusions and swelling,” said the court. According to investigating officers, the protestors were arrested for being part of unlawful assembly, obstructing a public place despite a prohibitory order, and allegedly manhandling police personnel, including a woman, during detention. Also Read: Trump blames France unrest on ‘out-of-control migration’ and 'Islam' The police also claimed that the protestors damaged the window and rear glass of a bus in which they were detained and did not cooperate with the investigation. The defence argued that only 17 of around 50 protesters had been arrested and that the police had not produced CCTV footage of the alleged incident. “It is further argued that the accused persons are of very young age and most of them are students who were exercising their democratic right to dissent and to protest." In its order, the court said, “It should be noted that allegations against the accused are serious in nature. One police official has allegedly sustained injuries as per the medico-legal case (MLC) produced by the IO.” “However, it cannot be ignored that all the offences involved in the present case, except offences punishable under sections 132 (assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of his duty) and 190 (unlawful assembly) of the BNS are bailable in nature, and even the offence punishable under BNS Section 132 provides for maximum imprisonment of two years only,” the court said. The court observed that these are not habitual offender have their entire "career lying ahead", so the accused were granted bail on the condition of furnishing a personal bail bond of ₹15,000, and they were prohibited from leaving the country without prior permission.

A Delhi court has sought a police report on custodial torture allegations against officers and ordered CCTV footage to be preserved while granting bail to 17 protesters.

Delhi court seeks police report on 'custodial torture' claims in anti-SIR protest

Protesters gathered at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar to demonstrate against caste-based reservation, with police detaining several participants during the protest.

The demonstration brought the contentious issue of caste-based reservation back into focus, as protesters raised their objections to the existing reservation system and gathered at one of the capital’s designated protest sites.

Police detained several demonstrators as authorities moved to manage the gathering.

The protest comes amid continuing public and political debate over reservation policies in India, including questions surrounding social justice, equal opportunity, representation and the future of affirmative-action policies.

Jantar Mantar Protest Against Caste-Based Reservation | Delhi Police Detain Several Demonstrators

The debate over pellet guns and crowd control has returned to the spotlight after the Supreme Court sought details of the ammunition used by the Rapid Action Force (RAF) during the Jantar Mantar protests. The move came amid allegations that security personnel may have used metallic pellets against protesters, raising questions over whether the force used was within legal and operational limits.<h2>What guidelines say</h2>Under the Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPR&amp;D) guidelines, pellet guns are not meant to be the first response during crowd management. They fall under the category of less-lethal weapons and can only be used in exceptional situations where a crowd becomes violent, uncontrollable or poses a serious threat to lives and public property.The guidelines follow a graded response system, requiring security forces to first rely on dialogue, warnings and attempts at peaceful dispersal. If those efforts fail, authorities can move to measures such as water cannons, tear gas and lathi charges. Projectile weapons, including pellet guns, are meant to be used only when other methods are unable to control the situation.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/uniform-stained-with-blood-delhi-police-families-recount-neet-protest-violence-trauma-1785481196099">‘Uniform stained with blood’: Delhi Police families recount NEET protest violence ‘trauma’</a>The principle behind these rules is simple – the force used by authorities must be necessary and proportionate to the threat.<h2>From water cannons to pellets: The escalation of crowd control</h2>The RAF’s standard operating procedure lays down a sequence that officers are expected to follow before turning to pellet guns. Personnel must issue warnings, make public announcements and give protesters an opportunity to disperse.If a situation escalates into violence, forces may use non-lethal options before considering kinetic weapons. Pellet guns are treated as a last-resort measure because of the risk they pose, particularly when fired at close range or towards vulnerable parts of the body.The guidelines require precautions, including maintaining a safe distance and aiming below the waist to minimise serious injuries. Once a violent situation comes under control, the use of force must stop, and those injured must be provided medical assistance.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/was-stone-laden-truck-planted-before-cjp-march-delhi-police-reveals-truth-about-conspiracy-claim-1785304094060">Was stone-laden truck planted at Jantar Mantar before CJP march? Delhi Police reveals truth about ‘conspiracy’ claim</a>The Supreme Court’s order to preserve the RAF’s ammunition logs is significant because such records can establish what weapons were actually used during an operation. The logs can reveal the type of pellets fired, the quantity of ammunition deployed and whether the force followed prescribed procedures.<h2>Rights of protesters vs duty to maintain order</h2>Police powers during protests are balanced against fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution. Article 19 protects the right to free speech and peaceful assembly, while Article 21 requires state action affecting life and liberty to be fair and non-arbitrary.Over the years, courts have repeatedly warned against excessive use of force. In the 2012 Ramlila Maidan case, the Supreme Court held that police action against protesters must be restrained and used only when necessary. In Anita Thakur’s case in 2016, the court ruled that excessive force can amount to a violation of fundamental rights.Among crowd control measures, pellet guns remain one of the most controversial. Water cannons and tear gas are generally used for mass dispersal, while rubber bullets are designed for targeted impact. Pellet guns, however, release multiple projectiles simultaneously, increasing the possibility of unpredictable injuries, including permanent eye damage.The controversy has renewed calls for clearer rules on the use of less-lethal weapons, with experts arguing that maintaining public order cannot come at the cost of accountability and proportionality.

Supreme Court’s scrutiny of RAF’s pellet gun use during Jantar Mantar protests has sparked debate over accountability, risks and crowd control methods. Here’s what you need to know.

The debate over pellet guns and crowd control has returned to the spotlight after the Supreme Court sought details of the ammunition used by the Rapid Action Force (RAF) during the Jantar Mantar protests. The move came amid allegations that security personnel may have used metallic pellets against protesters, raising questions over whether the force used was within legal and operational limits. What guidelines say Under the Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPR&D) guidelines, pellet guns are not meant to be the first response during crowd management. They fall under the category of less-lethal weapons and can only be used in exceptional situations where a crowd becomes violent, uncontrollable or poses a serious threat to lives and public property. The guidelines follow a graded response system, requiring security forces to first rely on dialogue, warnings and attempts at peaceful dispersal. If those efforts fail, authorities can move to measures such as water cannons, tear gas and lathi charges. Projectile weapons, including pellet guns, are meant to be used only when other methods are unable to control the situation. Also read | ‘Uniform stained with blood’: Delhi Police families recount NEET protest violence ‘trauma’ The principle behind these rules is simple – the force used by authorities must be necessary and proportionate to the threat. From water cannons to pellets: The escalation of crowd control The RAF’s standard operating procedure lays down a sequence that officers are expected to follow before turning to pellet guns. Personnel must issue warnings, make public announcements and give protesters an opportunity to disperse. If a situation escalates into violence, forces may use non-lethal options before considering kinetic weapons. Pellet guns are treated as a last-resort measure because of the risk they pose, particularly when fired at close range or towards vulnerable parts of the body. The guidelines require precautions, including maintaining a safe distance and aiming below the waist to minimise serious injuries. Once a violent situation comes under control, the use of force must stop, and those injured must be provided medical assistance. Also read | Was stone-laden truck planted at Jantar Mantar before CJP march? Delhi Police reveals truth about ‘conspiracy’ claim The Supreme Court’s order to preserve the RAF’s ammunition logs is significant because such records can establish what weapons were actually used during an operation. The logs can reveal the type of pellets fired, the quantity of ammunition deployed and whether the force followed prescribed procedures. Rights of protesters vs duty to maintain order Police powers during protests are balanced against fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution. Article 19 protects the right to free speech and peaceful assembly, while Article 21 requires state action affecting life and liberty to be fair and non-arbitrary. Over the years, courts have repeatedly warned against excessive use of force. In the 2012 Ramlila Maidan case, the Supreme Court held that police action against protesters must be restrained and used only when necessary. In Anita Thakur’s case in 2016, the court ruled that excessive force can amount to a violation of fundamental rights. Among crowd control measures, pellet guns remain one of the most controversial. Water cannons and tear gas are generally used for mass dispersal, while rubber bullets are designed for targeted impact. Pellet guns, however, release multiple projectiles simultaneously, increasing the possibility of unpredictable injuries, including permanent eye damage. The controversy has renewed calls for clearer rules on the use of less-lethal weapons, with experts arguing that maintaining public order cannot come at the cost of accountability and proportionality.

Supreme Court’s scrutiny of RAF’s pellet gun use during Jantar Mantar protests has sparked debate over accountability, risks and crowd control methods. Here’s what you need to know.

Can RAF use pellet guns to control crowd during protests? What Indian law states | WION Decodes

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