New Delhi: Restrictions under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) have been imposed in New Delhi district ahead of a proposed protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, an official said on Friday.
The order prohibits public meetings or gatherings of five or more people, processions, demonstrations, picketing and sit-ins without prior written permission. It also restricts slogan-shouting and speeches, as well as carrying weapons, banners, placards, sticks, swords, rods, bricks and similar objects.
A senior police officer said the restrictions were imposed to ensure public safety, maintain public order and facilitate smooth traffic movement.
Delhi Police had denied permission for the proposed protest called by the All India Students’ Association (AISA), Rajya Sabha MP Manoj Jha and lawyer Prashant Bhushan. The gathering was scheduled for 11am on Gandhi Jayanti.
Police sources said around 3,000 to 4,000 people were expected to participate. Additional Delhi Police and Central Armed Police Forces personnel were deployed at Jantar Mantar and other sensitive locations, with barricades put in place to regulate traffic and prevent unauthorised gatherings.
The organisers have raised concerns over electoral rolls and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise and have sought action against the CEC.
Several AAP leaders and workers, including the party’s Delhi chief, were detained by Delhi Police while they were on their way to participate in the proposed protest.
Speaking to the media before the protest, Bharadwaj said a large number of Gen-Z members, women and young people would reach Jantar Mantar to raise their voice against the Election Commission. He said protesting was a democratic right and claimed that AAP had formally applied for permission for a peaceful demonstration six days earlier.
In view of the proposed gathering, Delhi Police and RAF personnel, along with riot-control vehicles, were deployed at Jantar Mantar. Entry and exit gates at nearby metro stations, including Janpath, Patel Chowk, Central Secretariat, Rajiv Chowk, Seva Teerth, Mandi House and Lok Kalyan Marg, were also closed until further orders.
