Delhi Police book anti-SIR protesters in three FIRs over Jantar Mantar gathering

The Delhi Police have registered at least three first information reports (FIRs) over Friday’s demonstrations against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, with the cases arising from attempts by political parties, student organisations and civil society groups to gather at Jantar Mantar despite prohibitory orders in central Delhi.

The FIRs were registered at Parliament Street and Connaught Place police stations on the basis of daily diary (DD) entries made by police officials. They have been filed under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which deals with disobedience to an order duly promulgated by a public servant, according to two senior police officers aware of the development.

The protesters had sought Kumar’s resignation over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and other concerns relating to the functioning of the Election Commission of India (ECI).

No individual or organisation has been named in the suspects or accused column of the FIRs so far. However, the FIRs mention organisers and organisations that had proposed or participated in the demonstrations, one of the officers said.

It was not immediately clear whether additional sections of the BNS or other laws had also been invoked in connection with the protests.

FIRs follow alleged violation of prohibitory orders

According to the second officer, the cases were registered because protesters gathered in large numbers in the New Delhi district and attempted to hold demonstrations despite prohibitory orders already in force.

The restrictions had been imposed under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) across the New Delhi district, which covers the jurisdiction around Jantar Mantar.

The Delhi Police had denied permission for the proposed demonstration and issued a public advisory several hours before the scheduled 11am protest. The police said the restrictions were imposed to maintain public order, ensure public safety and facilitate smooth traffic movement.

The order prohibited public meetings or assemblies of five or more people, processions, demonstrations, picketing and dharnas without prior written permission. Shouting slogans or making speeches was also prohibited without permission. The order further barred the carrying of firearms, banners, placards, lathis, swords, sticks, brickbats and similar articles.

The Delhi Police warned that violations would attract action under Section 223 of the BNS and other applicable provisions of law.

What Section 223 of the BNS provides

Section 223 provides for simple imprisonment of up to six months, a fine of up to ₹2,500, or both, for disobedience of an order duly promulgated by a public servant.

Where such disobedience causes or tends to cause danger to human life, health or safety, or causes or tends to cause a riot or affray, a person convicted can face imprisonment of up to one year, a fine of up to ₹5,000, or both, according to the police officer cited above.

The FIRs therefore relate to the police's allegation that the Friday gatherings amounted to violations of the restrictions imposed under Section 163 of the BNSS.

More than 1,000 people detained during the day

The police action began before protesters could assemble fully at Jantar Mantar. Nearly 1,000 people were detained at different locations across Delhi while attempting to reach the protest site, with several political leaders, student activists and civil society members among those taken into custody.

According to the police figures cited in the report, nearly 750 people were detained in areas around Jantar Mantar, while another 400 were detained elsewhere in Delhi. Around 200 people were also placed under house arrest in the morning.

Those detained from the streets were transported in buses arranged by the Delhi Police and taken to different police stations.

Among those detained were former Delhi chief minister and senior Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Atishi, AISA president Neha Bora and Swaraj India leader Yogendra Yadav. AAP leaders, civil society activists, members of Left-backed student organisations and workers of the Congress youth wing were also detained.

Other reports put the total number of people detained at more than 1,000, with opposition parties, student organisations and youth groups among those taking part in attempts to reach Jantar Mantar.

The protest was called for 11am by the AAP, All India Students' Association (AISA), Students' Federation of India (SFI), National Students' Union of India (NSUI), Indian Youth Congress (IYC) and other student and youth organisations.

Heavy security and restrictions around Jantar Mantar

More than 5,000 security personnel were deployed in and around Jantar Mantar to prevent protesters from reaching the designated protest area.

Other reports said more than 4,000 personnel were deployed around New Delhi, with Delhi Police and Central Armed Police Forces personnel positioned at key points. Multiple layers of barricades were erected around the area.

The security measures were accompanied by traffic restrictions and diversions around Connaught Place, Patel Chowk, GPO, Tolstoy Marg, Jantar Mantar Road, Parliament Street and adjoining areas. Commuters were advised to avoid Jantar Mantar, Parliament Street, Ashoka Road and nearby stretches wherever possible.

Entry and exit at several Metro stations in central Delhi were also closed as part of the security arrangements. Reports said 11 stations were affected, although interchange facilities continued at selected stations including Rajiv Chowk, Mandi House, New Delhi and Central Secretariat.

Reports also said internet services were disrupted in parts of central Delhi during the police operation.

Protesters sought action against the poll panel chief

The proposed demonstration was aimed at demanding Kumar's resignation over alleged irregularities in the SIR exercise and concerns about electoral rolls.

Organisers had announced the gathering at a press conference before the police imposed the restrictions. AISA national president Neha Bora, Supreme Court lawyer Prashant Bhushan and Rajya Sabha MP Manoj Jha were among those associated with the call for the demonstration. Police had said permission was not granted for any protest or march at Jantar Mantar and urged people to comply with the law.

The protest was part of wider demonstrations by opposition parties, student groups and civil society activists against the Election Commission's handling of electoral rolls and the SIR exercise.

The police action on Friday came amid similar mobilisation elsewhere. In Mumbai, the Cockroach Janta Party held a demonstration demanding Kumar's resignation, while opposition parties and youth organisations stepped up their campaign against the poll panel's handling of electoral-roll revision.