CEC row LIVE: Section 163 imposed in Delhi ahead of Jantar Mantar protest; security beefed up
Kochi: Protests demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and a freeze on the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls are set to take place in Mumbai and Delhi on Gandhi Jayanti, despite police denying permission for the planned gatherings.
The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has announced a nationwide agitation, with founder Abhijeet Dipke saying the party will proceed with a 'Jail Bharo Andolan' after Mumbai Police denied permission for its proposed demonstration at Shivaji Park.
In Delhi, police have also denied permission for a protest at Jantar Mantar called by the All India Students' Association (AISA), Rajya Sabha MP Manoj Jha and Supreme Court lawyer Prashant Bhushan. Police have deployed additional personnel in and around New Delhi, with officials expecting around 3,000 to 4,000 people to attend.
Key Updates
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AAP's Saurabh Bharadwaj joins Jantar Mantar protest against EC
Aam Aadmi Party Delhi president Saurabh Bharadwaj reached Jantar Mantar and urged people to join the protest, calling for the demonstration to be conducted in a peaceful and constitutional manner.
Speaking to the reporters, he said that "I want to tell all our young friends, boys, girls, and elders, that I have arrived alone, without any car, without any horse, and without any companion. I paid Rs 11 for the metro and Rs 80 to the auto driver. When I can reach Jantar Mantar for just Rs 91, all our friends can reach there too."- ANI
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Activists call for people to "come as citizens, not party representatives" at Jantar Mantar
The Left student organisations and members of civil society have renewed their call for the Jantar Mantar protest against the Election Commission. Supreme Court lawyer Prashant Bhushan who is among those who had supported the protests, called on people to join at Jantar Mantar as citizens and not as representatives of political parties or organisations, amid heightened security in central Delhi.
Today’s protest at Jantar Mantar and elsewhere in the country is a citizens protest against the hijacking of our democracy by Gyanesh Kumar and his handlers. Though many organizations and parties have endorsed the call, it is not a partisan protest. People should come as citizens…
— Prashant Bhushan (@pbhushan1) October 2, 2026 -
Traffic restrictions: Closures, diversions around Jantar Mantar
Delhi Traffic Police advised commuters to plan their journeys and avoid affected stretches wherever possible, as traffic restrictions and regulated movement will be in place near Jantar Mantar and adjoining areas.
According to the traffic advisory, traffic from Connaught Place towards Patel Chowk will be diverted through alternate routes. At the same time, movement from Patel Chowk towards GPO will be regulated or diverted at appropriate points.
Traffic on Tolstoy Marg will also be regulated or diverted, and commuters have been advised to avoid the stretch wherever possible, the advisory said.
Movement on Jantar Mantar Road will be restricted or diverted, and motorists have been asked to use alternate routes.
Traffic Advisory 🚦
— Delhi Traffic Police (@dtptraffic) October 1, 2026
In connection with traffic restrictions and regulated movement around Jantar Mantar and adjoining areas on 02 October 2026, commuters are advised to avoid the affected stretches wherever feasible and plan their journeys in advance.
Traffic… pic.twitter.com/3oGsoRHBP0 -
Delhi Metro shuts 11 stations amid Jantar Mantar protest call
The Delhi Metro closed entry and exit at 11 stations on Friday, including Rajiv Chowk, Central Secretariat and Jantar Mantar, after the AAP and student unions announced protests.
Service Update
— Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (@OfficialDMRC) October 2, 2026
The entry and exit at the following metro stations will remain closed till further notice. However, interchange facility will remain available at Rajiv Chowk, Mandi House, INA, New Delhi and Central Secretariat stations:
1. Janpath
2. Patel Chowk
3. Central… -
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Prohibitory orders in force in New Delhi ahead of proposed Jantar Mantar protest
Prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) have been imposed in the New Delhi district ahead of a proposed protest at Jantar Mantar.
The order prohibits, without prior written permission, public meetings or assemblies of five or more people, processions, demonstrations, picketing and dharnas. The order also prohibits shouting slogans, making speeches, and carrying firearms, banners, placards, lathis, swords, sticks, brickbats, or similar articles.
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Delhi Police denies permission for Oct 2 protest against CEC at Jantar Mantar
Delhi Police has denied permission for a proposed protest at Jantar Mantar against CEC Gyanesh Kuma and deployed additional security personnel in and around New Delhi on Thursday, officials said.
The protest, called by the All India Students' Association (AISA), Rajya Sabha MP Manoj Jha and Supreme Court lawyer Prashant Bhushan, is scheduled to begin at 11 am on Friday.- PTI
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CJP founder Dipke detained briefly after being spotted with placards at Marine Drive: Police
CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke was detained at Marine Drive police station for a brief while on Thursday after he was spotted with placards along the iconic promenade.
Dipke had gathered at Marine Drive along with a group of supporters holding placards, an official said. After being asked to meet senior officials, Dipke exited the police station minutes later smiling. - PTI -
Gandhi Jayanti: Leaders across India remember Mahatma Gandhi’s message of peace, non-violence
President Murmu, PM Modi and Congress leaders paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, while the country marked his 157th birth anniversary.
Bihar MLC polls: Congress names five candidates, takes on RJD in three seats
Congress has fielded five candidates for eight Bihar Council seats, with three facing RJD candidates in the October 23 polls.
Eight students from Pune drown during picnic at Maharashtra's Diveagar beach
The 16-year-old boys were swept away after entering the sea and misjudging the water's depth and current, police said.