Delhi police file 20 FIRs after CJP protest demanding election chief's resignation
Delhi Police registered 20 FIRs following a Cockroach Janata Party rally against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, while the Supreme Court ordered the release of peacefully assembled protesters and normal Metro operation.
Delhi Police have filed 20 first-one outlet's reports in connection with a protest organized by the Cockroach Janata Party demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged roll-revision irregularities. The demonstration prompted a heavy security presence and widespread arrests across the capital. In response, the Supreme Court directed officials to ensure that peaceful gatherings are not illegally detained and that Delhi Metro operations continue, subject to public-order considerations.
The bench also ordered that internet services stay functional and that lawyers and journalists be permitted to perform their duties without hindrance. CJP representatives Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka accused the government of imposing draconian measures to suppress a youth-driven movement.
Why it matters
The incident highlights tensions between protest rights and law enforcement in India's capital, with the Supreme Court stepping in to protect civil liberties.
How this story developed
- Oct 2 Youth party and student groups rally to demand resignation of India's election chief
- Oct 6 When police barred the INDIA bloc march to the Election Commission, Rahul Gandhi and his sister Priyanka redirected the demonstration to the Akashvani Bhavan building.
- Oct 7 Cockroach Janta Party filed a formal notice with Delhi police about an Oct 10 Jantar Mantar protest demanding the CEC’s resignation.
- Oct 7 Police detained Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi and other lawmakers during the protest and released them later that evening.
- Oct 8 India’s Election Commission is under intense pressure after a newspaper report claimed key decisions in a nationwide voter-roll cleanup were made without full commissioner approval, sparking large demonstrations demanding chief Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation.
- Oct 9 Delhi police say restrictions on the Cockroach Janta Party’s planned rally at Jantar Mantar are needed to avoid overcrowding and protect the public.
- Oct 9 Police have deployed over 20,000 officers and closed metro gates ahead of the planned protests.
- Oct 10 The Union Home Ministry approved the addition of about 11,000 Central Armed Police Forces personnel.
- Oct 10 Police detained many individuals in the hours before the scheduled rally.
- Oct 10 Mumbai police detained Tushar Gandhi, a Gandhi descendant, as part of the wider crackdown.
- Oct 10 The Supreme Court ordered that some train services remain operational despite earlier shutdown orders.
- Oct 10 Police deployed thousands of personnel, closed 45 metro stations and detained additional opposition figures and activists.
- Oct 10 Authorities detained over 1,000 activists and arrested more than 600 people with criminal histories.
- Oct 11 Delhi imposed wide‑scale traffic diversions around key intersections as the protest entered its second day.
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