Delhi Police refuse permission for Jantar Mantar protest, impose Section 163 bans and traffic curbs
The Delhi police said no organisation has been granted permission to protest at Jantar Mantar on 2 October and invoked Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, deploying around 5,000 security personnel and sealing off key roads.
Delhi police deny permission for Jantar Mantar rally
The Delhi Police confirmed on Thursday that no political or civil‑society group has been granted written permission to demonstrate at Jantar Mantar on 2 October. The decision covers the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), the All India Students’ Association (AISA) and the Indian Youth Congress, all of which have signalled plans to converge on the historic site to demand the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.
Section 163 prohibitory orders put in force
In a social‑media post, the police said it had invoked prohibitory orders under section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). The order bars public meetings, processions, picketing, shouting slogans or carrying banners, placards, lathis, swords, sticks, brickbats or any similar articles without prior written permission. Violations, the police warned, will attract legal action under section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Heavy security deployment and barricades
Around 5,000 personnel – a mix of district police, reserve forces, the Rapid Action Force and other paramilitary units – have been posted across New Delhi. Multi‑layer barricades now block the main approaches to Jantar Mantar, including Tolstoy Marg, Janpath Road, Sansad Marg and the side of Ashoka Road. The site is also sealed off from the Kerala Bhawan side.
Traffic advisory and diversions
The Delhi Traffic Police issued an advisory urging commuters to avoid the following stretches on Friday: Connaught Place, Patel Chowk, GPO, Tolstoy Marg, Jantar Mantar Road, Parliament Street and Ashoka Road. Motorists are asked to use alternate routes, allow extra travel time and obey traffic police directions. Stopping or parking on the regulated roads is prohibited and may result in fines.
Who is still planning to protest?
- Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) – founded by Abhijeet Dipke, who announced a rally at Mumbai’s Shivaji Park as the first of a seven‑city series leading to Delhi.
- All India Students’ Association (AISA) – the student wing of CPI(ML) Liberation, scheduled a stir at Jantar Mantar on Friday.
- Indian Youth Congress – has applied for permission but was turned down.
What comes next?
The police have warned that any unauthorised gathering will be dealt with under the BNSS and BNS provisions. The prohibitory order remains in force for the whole of New Delhi district on Friday, and traffic restrictions will stay in place until the police deem the situation safe.
The situation is still fluid; officials have not indicated whether the orders will be lifted after the protest window closes.
Key numbers
| What | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Security personnel deployed | 5,000 | Delhi Police statement |
| Legal provision invoked | Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita | Delhi Police social‑media post |
| Penalty provision for violations | Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita | Delhi Police statement |
| Roads affected | Connaught Place, Patel Chowk, GPO, Tolstoy Marg, Jantar Mantar Road, Parliament Street, Ashoka Road | Delhi Traffic Police advisory |
In this story
| Name | Role in the story |
|---|---|
| Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) | Legal act under which Section 163 was invoked |
| Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) | Legal act providing Section 223 penalties |
| Delhi Police | Authority denying protest permission and imposing orders |
| Delhi Traffic Police | Issued traffic advisory and diversions |
