60-70 detained at Jantar Mantar protests over CEC Gyanesh Kumar's resignation demand
Synopsis
For the second consecutive day, Jantar Mantar became a flashpoint as 60-70 protesters were detained on Saturday demanding CEC Gyanesh Kumar's resignation over alleged electoral roll irregularities — a day after over 1,000 were held. With three FIRs filed and prohibitory orders flouted, the confrontation signals an escalating political battle over the credibility of India's electoral process.
Key Takeaways
60 to 70 people were detained at Jantar Mantar , New Delhi, on 3 October 2026 demanding CEC Gyanesh Kumar's resignation.
Protesters allege irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
Senior figures including MP Kapil Sibal , Yogendra Yadav , and Prashant Bhushan participated in the demonstration.
On Friday, 2 October 2026 , more than 1,000 protesters were detained at the same site during protests by AAP and SFI .
Delhi Police registered at least 3 FIRs under Section 223 of the BNS ; no individual has been named as an accused.
Prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the BNSS, 2023 were in force across New Delhi district on both days.
At least 60 to 70 people were detained on Saturday, 3 October 2026, during protests at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, as demonstrators demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, according to Delhi Police. Some police personnel also sustained minor injuries during scuffles with agitators, officials confirmed.
Who Joined the Protests
The Saturday demonstration drew prominent faces, including senior advocate and Member of Parliament Kapil Sibal, political activist Yogendra Yadav, and senior advocate Prashant Bhushan. Their presence lent a legal and civic-society dimension to what began as a politically charged street protest over the integrity of the electoral process.
Prohibitory Orders and Police Response
Delhi Police had imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023 across the New Delhi district ahead of the protest, with no permission granted to any group to demonstrate on that date. In a post on X, the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), New Delhi stated: 'Section 163 of BNSS, 2023 is in force in New Delhi District to ensure public safety, public order and smooth traffic movement.' The post further noted that 'unauthorised gatherings, public speeches, shouting of slogans, processions, demonstrations, dharnas and other specified activities are prohibited.'
Officials cautioned that violations of the prohibitory order would invite legal action under the law, and urged citizens to cooperate with the police.
Friday's Larger Crackdown
Saturday's detentions followed an even larger confrontation the previous day. On Friday, 2 October 2026, more than 1,000 protesters were detained at Jantar Mantar during demonstrations led by Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders and several Left-wing student organisations, including the Students' Federation of India (SFI) — marking one of the largest single-day protest detentions at the site in recent memory. Prohibitory orders were in force during Friday's protests as well.
FIRs Registered, No Individual Named
Delhi Police has registered at least three FIRs in connection with Friday's protests. Two FIRs were filed at the Parliament Street police station, while a third was registered at the Connaught Place police station. The cases were lodged under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which pertains to disobedience of an order duly promulgated by a public servant. Notably, no individual or organisation has been specifically named as an accused in any of the FIRs, though officials said details of organisers and participating groups have been included in the case records.
Background: The SIR Controversy
The protests centre on opposition to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, a process critics argue could disenfranchise voters or be manipulated to alter voter demographics ahead of upcoming elections. Demonstrators have directed their anger squarely at CEC Gyanesh Kumar, holding him personally accountable for the alleged irregularities. The scale and continuity of the protests — spanning at least two consecutive days despite active prohibitory orders — reflect the depth of political sentiment around electoral credibility.
With FIRs filed, high-profile detentions recorded, and protests showing no sign of abating, the coming days will test both the administration's resolve and the opposition's capacity to sustain pressure on the Election Commission.
Point of View
With senior advocates and an MP in the crowd — signals that this is no longer a fringe protest but a coordinated legal-civil society campaign targeting the Election Commission's credibility. What is striking is that prohibitory orders, FIRs, and mass detentions have not deterred participation; if anything, they have amplified it. The absence of named accused in the FIRs suggests police caution about direct confrontation with prominent figures, even as the administration uses procedural tools to suppress the demonstrations. The deeper question — whether the SIR process warrants independent scrutiny — risks being drowned out by the law-and-order framing that both sides are now invested in.
NationPress
3 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were people detained at Jantar Mantar on 3 October 2026?
At least 60 to 70 people were detained for participating in an unauthorised protest at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi, in violation of prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the BNSS, 2023. The demonstrators were demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.
What is the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls?
The Special Intensive Revision is a process conducted by the Election Commission of India to update and revise voter rolls. Critics and protesters allege that the current SIR exercise contains irregularities that could affect the accuracy and integrity of electoral rolls, prompting calls for CEC Gyanesh Kumar's resignation.
Who participated in the Jantar Mantar protests?
Saturday's protest saw the participation of senior advocate and Member of Parliament Kapil Sibal, political activist Yogendra Yadav, and senior advocate Prashant Bhushan. The previous day's larger protest was led by Aam Aadmi Party leaders and Left-wing student groups including the Students' Federation of India.
How many FIRs has Delhi Police registered and under what law?
Delhi Police has registered at least three FIRs in connection with the Friday protests — two at Parliament Street police station and one at Connaught Place police station. The cases were filed under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which deals with disobedience of orders issued by a public servant. No individual has been named as an accused.
What happened at Jantar Mantar on Friday, 2 October 2026?
More than 1,000 protesters were detained at Jantar Mantar on Friday during demonstrations led by Aam Aadmi Party leaders and organisations including the Students' Federation of India. Prohibitory orders were in force that day as well, making it one of the largest single-day protest detentions at the site in recent times.
