Security tightened over Jantar Mantar protest against CEC Gyanesh Kumar in Delhi

The proposed protest comes amid demonstrations by opposition parties, student groups and civil society activists in the Capital over the functioning of the poll panel and the SIR exercise.

Delhi Police denies permission for Jantar Mantar protest over SIR issue, tightens securityFile photo of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

The Delhi Police has refused to grant permission for a proposed demonstration at Jantar Mantar on Friday over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and tightened security across Central Delhi. Police said they are expecting a large number of people to show up and, thus, have sought additional forces from the Ministry of External Affairs.

The protest, called by the All India Students’ Association (AISA), Rajya Sabha MP Manoj Jha and Supreme Court lawyer Prashant Bhushan, seeks removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over allegations of irregularities in electoral rolls and the conduct of elections.

An AISA delegation had submitted an intimation to the Parliament Street police earlier this week. The delegation comprised Bhushan, Jha, AISA president Neha Bora, activist Yogendra Yadav, activist Nikhil Dey and educationist Nandita Narain.

Officers said around 5,000 personnel from the district and reserve forces, Rapid Action Force and other paramilitary units have been deployed in the New Delhi area.

Multi-layer barricades have also been erected in areas leading to Jantar Mantar, including Tolstoy Marg, Janpath Road and Sansad Marg. Officers added that the protest site at Jantar Mantar has been blocked from both the Tolstoy Marg and Kerala Bhawan sides, with further barricading near Ashoka Road.

Police vehicles have been stationed along roads leading to the venue, while CCTV camera feeds are being monitored from the office of the Deputy Commissioner of Police, New Delhi.

Police and security personnel will be equipped with anti-riot gear, officers said, adding that drones may also be used to monitor crowds and assess the security situation, if required.

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Former deputy chief minister of Delhi, Manish Sisodia, also urged people to join the gathering. “Come to Jantar Mantar on October 2nd to demand Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation. Otherwise, the right to vote is being snatched away today, tomorrow all other rights will also be taken away,” he said in a post on X.

The Indian Youth Congress had also sought permission for a demonstration at Jantar Mantar but was denied permission, sources said.

The proposed protest comes amid demonstrations by opposition parties, student groups and civil society activists in the Capital over the functioning of the poll panel and the SIR exercise.

The CJP has also announced a protest in Mumbai on October 2 on the issue. After being denied permission, it called for a ‘Jail Bharo Andolan’.

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Sakshi Chand is an Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, based in New Delhi. With over a decade of experience in investigative journalism, she is a leading voice on crime, the prison system, and institutional governance in the National Capital. Professional Background Specialization: Her reporting focus includes high-stakes crime, national security, prison reforms, and traffic governance. Key Coverage: She has been on the frontlines of major events such as the 2G spectrum case, the 2020 North-East Delhi riots, and communal clashes across Uttar Pradesh (Kasganj, Aligarh). Earlier Career: Before joining The Indian Express, she was a reporter for The Times of India. Personal Interests: Outside of her career in journalism, Sakshi is a National-level basketball player and coach, bringing a unique sporting discipline to her professional life. Major Recent Coverage (Late 2025) Her reporting in the latter half of 2025 has been dominated by a major terror investigation and administrative accountability: 1. The Red Fort Blast Investigation Throughout November and December 2025, Sakshi led the coverage of a car explosion near Delhi's Red Fort: Forensic Breakthroughs: She reported on the use of TATP and ammonium nitrate in the IED and identified the shops where raw materials were sourced (Nov 14-16, 2025). The "i20 Route": She meticulously tracked the journey of the vehicle used in the blast, tracing it to a Pulwama-based resident who entered Delhi via the Badarpur toll plaza (Nov 12, 2025). Victim Support: She recently reported on the Delhi Police providing a list of damaged vehicle owners to the Finance Ministry to expedite insurance claims for those caught in the blast (Dec 4, 2025). 2. Crime & Police Accountability "Crackdown on Extortion Gangs": In December 2025, she reported on a syndicate that was blackmailing traffic cops. Following five arrests, the Special CP directed officers to report all such attempts (Dec 12, 2025). "Corruption in the Ranks": She covered the arrest of five Delhi Police personnel by the Vigilance branch following a wave of public complaints (May 19, 2025). Cold Cases & International Murders: She has extensively tracked the case of a man who allegedly killed his wife in London and fled to India, reporting on his "Proclaimed Offender" status and the denial of his anticipatory bail (May 2025). 3. Governance & Public Policy "13,000 Homes for 90,000 Cops": A data-driven feature on why the majority of Delhi Police personnel are forced to live on rent despite the city's housing projects (May 4, 2025). Traffic Decongestion: Using her interest in urban logistics, she detailed how the Traffic Police eased congestion on Vikas Marg by switching off signals and creating U-turns (April 2, 2025). Signature Style Sakshi Chand is known for a data-driven and investigative approach. She frequently uses forensic reports, CCTV analysis, and administrative data to go beyond the "official version" of a crime story. Her work in prison reporting is particularly noted for highlighting the legal and humanitarian conditions of foreign detention centers and local jails. ... Read More

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