Protest at India Gate against air pollution: Delhi Police register FIR for violating prohibitory orders

According to an official, the gathering was held despite the non-approval of the Delhi Police. “Section 163 of the BNSS (Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita) was also imposed, and this was told to the people prior to the protest. Despite our regular requests to leave the site and shift to the Jantar Mantar, the people did not leave,” the officer said.

Earlier on Sunday, the Delhi Police had issued a letter to the organisers. The office of Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police, New Delhi, stated, “Information has been received through reliable sources that you along with your supporters will hold a programme… In this regard, it is to inform you that Section 163 BNSS is in force in the entire area of New Delhi District except Jantar Mantar, therefore protest at India Gate cannot be permitted in view of security, law and order and traffic reasons and existing guidelines framed in compliance of Hon’ble Supreme Court of India’s order dated 23.07.2018.”

On Sunday evening, around 400 people gathered to protest, donning masks and holding banners, against the worsening air pollution in Delhi. At least 100 of them were detained and taken to the Bawana police station after clashes ensued between demonstrators and the police. The detainees were later released.

Among the protesters, Vimlendu Jha, an environmental activist, said, “In the last 15 days, the AQI has been at hazardous levels. Delhi’s citizens don’t even know how polluted the air is. In fact, many monitors have been shut down… we have also seen water sprinkling exercises to manipulate data. The government is managing perception rather than trying to manage pollution. This morning, AQI readings at 22 centres went past 400.”

Jha added, “People are asking for their right to breathe. This is as fundamental as breathing… and asking for it in India’s capital is something illegal according to the government and the police.”