Delhi Police detains CJP leaders near Jantar Mantar as protests over election commission continue

UPDATE - follow-up to Anti-CEC protests LIVE: CJP leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka detained; Delhi High Court to hear pleas on protest SOPs: Delhi Police detained Cockroach Janata Party leaders Saurav Das, Ashutosh Ranka, and Ajinkya Shinde on Tuesday as they tried to enter Jantar Mantar.

Police Action And FIRs

Police registered two First Information Reports at the Barakhamba Road and Tilak Marg police stations over the opposition's recent march to the Supreme Court. The police also asked the Union Ministry of Home Affairs to extend the deployment of 273 companies of Central Armed Police Forces in Delhi until October 20 to maintain order. A senior police officer stated that protesters had sneaked into the area through eateries near Jantar Mantar, which is currently de-notified as a protest site.

Court Hearings

The Supreme Court agreed to hear pleas challenging the closure of several Delhi Metro stations due to protests against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The Delhi High Court also scheduled a hearing on petitions seeking standard operating procedures to regulate protests and prevent business losses, after senior advocate Sachin Puri noted that recent demonstrations caused losses of over ₹2,000 crore to traders.

Reactions And Political Developments

CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke criticized the detentions, asking when waving the national flag became illegal. According to the Indian Express, Lok Sabha opposition leader Rahul Gandhi invited INDIA bloc MPs and civil society members to high tea at his residence, while BJP MP Ravi Kishan accused the opposition of disrupting public life and alleged that Rahul Gandhi had elbowed his own party workers during the march.

Context

These events stem from ongoing political tensions surrounding the Election Commission of India and the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. Large-scale demonstrations in the national capital frequently prompt heavy security deployment, transport restrictions, and legal battles over the rules governing public protests.