Section 163 Imposed Across New Delhi, Metro Entry-Exit Shut at 11 Stations Ahead of Protest

The restrictions were imposed under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), barring unauthorised gatherings of five or more people as well as processions, demonstrations, picketing and dharnas without prior permission.

The order also restricts the carrying of firearms, weapons, lathis, sticks, swords, brickbats and other objects that could pose a security risk. Unauthorised slogan-shouting and speeches have also been prohibited.

Delhi Police deployed additional personnel and water cannons around Jantar Mantar, while barricades were erected in the area. DCP Sachin Sharma appealed to people to follow the restrictions and cooperate with the police. The proposed protest had not received permission from the authorities.

The security measures also affected Delhi Metro services. Entry and exit gates at 11 stations were closed until further notice, although interchange facilities remained available at Rajiv Chowk, Mandi House, New Delhi and Central Secretariat. The affected stations included Janpath, Patel Chowk, Central Secretariat, Rajiv Chowk, Seva Teerth, Mandi House, Lok Kalyan Marg, INA, Chawri Bazar, Ramakrishna Ashram Marg and New Delhi.

The restrictions were introduced as student, youth and political groups prepared to mobilise at Jantar Mantar on Gandhi Jayanti. The proposed protest has been linked to concerns over the Election Commission's functioning and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, with organisers also demanding the resignation of CEC Gyanesh Kumar.

Groups including the All India Students' Association (AISA), Students' Federation of India (SFI) and Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) were among those associated with the mobilisation. Opposition political parties and other organisations have also raised concerns over the electoral-roll revision process.

The proposed gathering comes amid a wider political dispute over the SIR exercise and allegations of irregularities in the preparation and revision of electoral rolls. The Election Commission has maintained that the revision process is being conducted according to established procedures.

Delhi Police had denied permission for the Jantar Mantar gathering, prompting organisers to indicate that they would proceed with the mobilisation despite the restrictions.

The security measures have also resulted in traffic restrictions and diversions around central Delhi, including areas near Jantar Mantar, Parliament Street, Connaught Place and Tolstoy Marg. Commuters have been advised to plan their journeys accordingly.

Separately, the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) announced a protest in Mumbai on Gandhi Jayanti over the Election Commission and SIR. Its founder Abhijeet Dipke had announced a “Jail Bharo Andolan” at Shivaji Park after Mumbai Police declined permission for the proposed gathering. Police said they were not empowered to grant permission for a gathering at the venue in view of an existing Bombay High Court order and the area's designated silence-zone status.