The Delhi Police on Saturday said prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, remain in force across the New Delhi district and that no permission has been granted for any protest on October 3.
The restrictions were imposed ahead of a proposed demonstration at Jantar Mantar against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar over allegations concerning irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Police had denied permission for the proposed protest and deployed additional security personnel in central Delhi.
In a post on X, the DCP New Delhi said Section 163 was in force to ensure public safety, maintain public order and facilitate smooth traffic movement. The order prohibits unauthorised gatherings, public speeches, slogan-shouting, processions, demonstrations and dharnas, among other activities.
Police also said that no permission had been granted for any protest scheduled for October 3 and that no prior information about such a protest had been received by the New Delhi district police.
Officials urged people to comply with the order and cooperate with the police, warning that violations would invite legal action.
Three FIRs registered over Friday's Delhi protests
Meanwhile, Delhi Police has registered three FIRs in connection with Friday's protests near Jantar Mantar, where demonstrators sought the resignation of CEC Gyanesh Kumar. Two FIRs were registered at Parliament Street police station and one at Connaught Place police station.
According to police, the cases invoke Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which relates to disobedience of an order duly promulgated by a public servant. No individual or organisation has been named as an accused in the FIRs, although details of organisers and organisations that proposed or participated in the demonstrations have been included in the cases.
On Friday, police detained hundreds of protesters who attempted to move towards Jantar Mantar despite restrictions. Different reports put the number of people detained at several hundred to nearly 1,000.
Case registered against CJP supporters in Mumbai
The protests over the Election Commission issue also continued in Mumbai, where a case was registered against supporters of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) over an unauthorised gathering at Shivaji Park.
According to Mumbai Police, around 400 to 500 unidentified supporters and protesters, including CJP members Ajinkya Shinde, Pranay Ahire, Ashutosh Ranka, Abhijeet Dipke, Saurav Das, Afreen Nawaz, Soumya Korde, Ankit Bhardwaj, Vijay Malangi and Yogesh Ingale, gathered near Gate No. 6 of Shivaji Park in Dadar West.
Police said the gathering took place between 4 pm and 7 pm within the jurisdiction of Shivaji Park police station. The protesters allegedly raised slogans on a public road and loudspeakers were installed without the required permission.
A case was registered under Sections 189(2) and 223 of the BNS, along with Sections 37(1), 37(3) and 135 of the Maharashtra Police Act.
The CJP had on Friday launched its 'Jail Bharo' protest in Mumbai, demanding the resignation of CEC Gyanesh Kumar. The demonstration was held despite police denying permission, with security personnel deployed and barricades placed around parts of the Dadar area. Reports said supporters gathered at Shivaji Park as part of what organisers described as the second phase of their movement.
Several public figures, including actors Shabana Azmi and Naseeruddin Shah and musician Vishal Dadlani, were reported to have attended the Mumbai gathering. Actor Prakash Raj also extended support through a recorded video message.
The protests in Delhi and Mumbai come amid continuing political debate over the SIR exercise and demands from protesters for action against the Election Commission. The Election Commission and government have rejected allegations of wrongdoing.
