Delhi Police detain protesters at Connaught Place despite Supreme Court order on anti-CEC stir

Detentions continue at Connaught Place

Delhi Police continued to pick up demonstrators across Connaught Place on Sunday, bundling around 100 people into buses just hours after the Supreme Court ruled that peaceful, unarmed protesters cannot be illegally detained.

Protesters from Left student organisations, including the All India Students' Association (AISA) and the Students' Federation of India (SFI), emerged from Rajiv Chowk metro station to stage flash demonstrations against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Security forces, including the Rapid Action Force and a women's battalion from the Uttar Pradesh Police, formed human shields and barricaded routes, detaining activists near Palika Bazar and along Janpath as they tried to march towards Jantar Mantar.

Among those picked up on Sunday was CPI(M) leader John Brittas, who accused police of using brute force against peaceful citizens. Officers also briefly detained four journalists near RK Ashram before releasing them.

Supreme Court orders end to Delhi transit curbs

The ongoing detentions came despite an extraordinary Sunday morning session at the Supreme Court, where a bench comprising Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V. Mohana ordered an immediate halt to unlawful detentions and transit shutdowns.

Hearing contempt and habeas corpus petitions filed after widespread public disruptions on Saturday, the court directed the central government and Delhi authorities to keep metro and railway services fully operational, leave internet connectivity undisturbed, and restore the free movement of people across the capital.

"There shall not be detention save and except by procedure established by law, particularly with respect to assemblage of peaceful, unarmed people," the bench ordered.

Addressing senior advocate Kapil Sibal, who raised concerns about public faith in the justice system during the hearing, the bench noted that instilling confidence was central to the court's purpose. The justices also ordered the immediate removal of a notice board outside the Supreme Court premises that had announced restrictions under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), ensuring unhindered access to the court.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told the bench that internet services had been restored and all metro stations opened by Saturday night, disputing claims of a blanket curfew. The court issued notice to the authorities, asking them to respond to the contempt allegations by Tuesday.

Over 20 FIRs registered after weekend clampdown

The legal battle follows a massive security operation on Saturday, when Delhi Police deployed over 30,000 personnel to foil a planned march to Jantar Mantar called by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and student groups. Protesters are demanding the resignation of CEC Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.

Police registered more than 20 First Information Reports (FIRs) over Saturday's events, citing assault on police personnel and obstruction of public servants. Officials said more than 7,000 people were detained across the city on Saturday, including CJP leader Abhijit Dipke and AISA President Neha Bora.

Clashes during Saturday's demonstrations left at least 15 police personnel injured, including Deputy Commissioner of Police (South) Anant Mittal. Meanwhile, four men affiliated with the Hindu Raksha Dal were arrested under an FIR at Kamla Market police station for allegedly assaulting students and manhandling women during the protests.