Delhi authorities implemented prohibitory orders and suspended mobile internet services around Jantar Mantar in anticipation of a protest by student unions demanding the resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner over electoral roll irregularities. The Delhi Metro altered services, and traffic was diverted as police stated no permissions were granted for demonstrations. This protest is part of a larger 'Save Democracy' campaign announced by the INDIA bloc.

Delhi authorities implemented prohibitory orders and suspended mobile internet services around Jantar Mantar in anticipation of a protest by student unions demanding the resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner over electoral roll irregularities. The Delhi Metro altered services, and traffic was diverted as police stated no permissions were granted for demonstrations. This protest is part of a larger 'Save Democracy' campaign announced by the INDIA bloc.

Delhi authorities implemented prohibitory orders and suspended mobile internet services around Jantar Mantar in anticipation of a protest by student unions demanding the resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner over electoral roll irregularities. The Delhi Metro altered services, and traffic was diverted as police stated no permissions were granted for demonstrations. This protest is part of a larger 'Save Democracy' campaign announced by the INDIA bloc.

Ahead of the student unions' protest at Jantar Mantar seeking the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, Delhi Police imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) on Friday.

Reportedly, mobile internet services were suspended within a 1.5-kilometre radius of Jantar Mantar in Delhi until midnight due to ongoing protests.

"The order has been enforced to ensure public safety, maintain public order and facilitate smooth traffic movement," a senior police officer told PTI.

Delhi AAP president Saurabh Bharadwaj, who arrived at Jantar Mantar to protest against the Election Commission, has been detained by police. Security has been tightened around the protest site as large crowds gather. 

The Delhi Metro has closed entry and exit at 11 stations in view of the proposed protests at Jantar Mantar, the DMRC. The affected stations include Janpath, Patel Chowk, Central Secretariat, Rajiv Chowk, Seva Teerth, Mandi House, Lok Kalyan Marg, INA, Chawri Bazar, Ramakrishna Ashram Marg and New Delhi.

Meanwhile, DCP Sachin Sharma said no permission has been granted for any protest at Jantar Mantar and tight security has been put in place.

"Permission has not been granted for any type of protest or march at Jantar Mantar and preventive measures have been taken...Section 163 is in force here. No unauthorised sit-in, protest or demonstration is allowed here," Sharma told PTI.

Under Section 163, unauthorised gatherings, public speeches, slogan-shouting, processions, demonstrations, dharnas and other specified activities have been prohibited.

Over 3,000 protesters, including members of the AAP, Indian Youth Congress and others, are expected to participate in the Jantar Mantar protest.

The Students' Federation of India (SFI) and the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) have also announced that they will join the protest.

The protest was announced a day earlier by AISA national president Neha Bora, Supreme Court lawyer Prashant Bhushan and Rajya Sabha MP Manoj Jha at a press conference.

Bora said the organisers had informed the Parliament Street police station about the gathering, including the expected turnout, timing and details of those responsible for organising it.

Traffic advisory

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.

Movement on Jantar Mantar Road will be restricted or diverted, and motorists have been asked to use alternate routes.

The Delhi traffic police have advised commuters to avoid Jantar Mantar, Parliament Street, Ashoka Road and adjoining roads wherever possible.

Stopping or parking of vehicles on or near the regulated stretches is prohibited, the advisory said.

Motorists travelling towards Connaught Place, Patel Chowk, GPO, Parliament Street and Central Delhi have been advised to plan alternate routes.

'Save Democracy' march

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has announced that the INDIA bloc will organise "Save Democracy" marches across the nation from October 2-8.

Opposition MPs will also march to the Election Commission on October 6.

The protests are being carried out across the country, demanding the resignation of Gyanesh Kumar due to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and the alleged mass deletion of voters.

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