Delhi Police registered at least three FIRs on 3 October 2026 in connection with demonstrations held across central New Delhi demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The cases mark a significant escalation in the standoff between Opposition groups and the election authority.

Where and How the FIRs Were Filed

Two of the three FIRs were registered at the Parliament Street Police Station, while a third was filed at the Connaught Place Police Station, according to officials. All cases have been booked under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which deals with disobedience of an order duly promulgated by a public servant.

Notably, no individual or organisation has been named as an accused in any of the FIRs. Officials clarified, however, that details of organisers and groups that proposed or participated in the protests have been included in the case records — leaving the door open for future action.

Over 1,000 Detained as Protests Sweep Central Delhi

The FIRs followed a day of widespread demonstrations in which Opposition activists, students, and members of youth organisations attempted to march towards Jantar Mantar to press their demands. Delhi Police had earlier made clear that no permission had been granted for the proposed protest at the designated site, deploying extensive security cordons across central Delhi.

More than 1,000 protesters were detained as they tried to breach barricades and advance towards Jantar Mantar, according to officials. Those picked up from the streets were transported in police buses to multiple police stations across the city.

Senior Opposition Leaders Among Those Detained

Among the most prominent detainees were former Delhi Chief Minister and senior Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Atishi, All India Students Association (AISA) president Neha Bora, and Swaraj India leader Yogendra Yadav. Several other AAP leaders, civil society activists, members of Left-backed student organisations, and workers from the Indian National Congress (Congress) youth wing were also among those held.

This is not the first time protests over the SIR exercise have drawn a heavy police response in the capital. The demonstrations reflect a broader Opposition effort to force accountability over what critics allege are procedural lapses in the revision of electoral rolls — a process that directly affects voter eligibility ahead of future polls.

The SIR Controversy and Calls for CEC's Resignation

The protests centred on demands for accountability over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, which Opposition parties and civil society groups allege has been conducted with irregularities. Critics argue the process could disenfranchise voters if not corrected, and have called for CEC Gyanesh Kumar to step down. The Election Commission has not, as of reporting, issued a detailed public response to the specific allegations.

What Happens Next

With the FIRs registered but no accused named, investigators are expected to scrutinise the organisers' details already included in the case records. Legal observers note that Section 223 BNS carries provisions that could lead to arrests if the police conclude that the orders were wilfully breached. Opposition groups have signalled they intend to continue agitation, raising the prospect of further confrontations in the coming days.