New Delhi: (Rajeev Sharma): Delhi Police have registered three FIRs following Friday’s attempted demonstrations near Jantar Mantar, where student groups, political leaders and civil society activists sought the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Two cases were filed at Parliament Street police station, while another was registered at Connaught Place police station, according to a senior police official. The cases invoke Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which deals with violations of orders issued by public servants.
Police have not identified any particular person or organisation as an accused in the FIRs. However, the documents reportedly contain references to groups and organisers associated with the planned demonstrations.
The protesters had sought to assemble at Jantar Mantar over allegations linked to the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The FIRs record the police action and alleged violations but do not set out the Election Commission’s responses to the allegations raised by the protesters.
Restrictions imposed ahead of demonstration
Authorities had imposed restrictions across the New Delhi district under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) before the planned gathering. Police said the measures were intended to prevent disruption, maintain public order and avoid traffic-related problems in the area.
The restrictions barred gatherings of five or more people, processions, demonstrations, dharnas, picketing, slogan-shouting and speeches unless written permission had been obtained. The order also prohibited people from carrying items including firearms, sticks, swords, lathis, brickbats, banners and placards.
According to police, the restrictions were publicly communicated several hours before the proposed protest. Authorities had also warned that anyone violating the order could face action under Section 223 of the BNS and other relevant legal provisions.
What Section 223 provides
Under the provision cited by police, disobedience of a lawfully issued public order can result in imprisonment of up to six months, a fine of up to ₹2,500, or both.
If such disobedience creates or is likely to create a threat to human life, health or safety, or contributes to a riot or affray, the punishment can extend to one year, along with a fine of up to ₹5,000, or both.
Nearly 1,000 people detained
Police and paramilitary personnel were deployed around Jantar Mantar and nearby areas as groups attempted to reach the protest venue. Officials said close to 1,000 people were detained during the operation, with many later released.
Among those detained were AAP leaders Saurabh Bharadwaj, Atishi, Sanjay Singh, Kuldeep Kumar, Jarnail Singh and Sanjeev Jha. Others included AISA national president Neha Bora, activist Yogendra Yadav, RJD MP Manoj Jha, CPI Rajya Sabha MP P Sandesh, Indian Youth Congress president Uday Bhanu Chib, NSUI national president Vinod Jakhar and DYFI national president A A Rahim.
Several detainees were taken to police stations in different parts of the city. Police locations mentioned in connection with the operation included Fatehpur Beri, Dwarka Sector 23, Karawal Nagar and Badarpur.
Atishi, Anurag Dhanda and Kuldeep Kumar were taken to Fatehpur Beri, while Sanjay Singh, Saurabh Bharadwaj and Sanjeev Jha were taken to Dwarka Sector 23, according to details of the police action.
The FIRs mark the next legal step following the attempted mobilisation, while the political and civil society groups involved continue to raise questions over the electoral-roll revision process and demand accountability from the Election Commission.
