Section 163 in force in New Delhi; Metro shuts 11 stations ahead of Jantar Mantar protest

Mangalore Today News Network

New Delhi, Oct 2, 2026: Security was tightened around Jantar Mantar on Friday as opposition parties and student groups planned a protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The Delhi Metro also closed entry and exit at 11 stations in and around the New Delhi district amid heightened security.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), All India Students’ Association (AISA), National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) and Indian Youth Congress (IYC) were among the groups associated with the proposed protests. Organisers have demanded Kumar’s resignation and raised allegations concerning voter deletions during the SIR exercise.

Delhi Police denied permission for a proposed demonstration involving AISA, Rajya Sabha MP Manoj Jha and advocate Prashant Bhushan. The protest was scheduled for 11 am on Gandhi Jayanti.

Ahead of the proposed gathering, prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) were imposed in the New Delhi district. The order restricts public meetings and assemblies of five or more people, processions, demonstrations, picketing and dharnas without prior written permission. It also restricts slogans, speeches and the carrying of items such as firearms, banners, placards, lathis and sticks.

Police said the restrictions were imposed to maintain public order, ensure public safety and facilitate smooth traffic movement. Additional Delhi Police and Central Armed Police Forces personnel were deployed at Jantar Mantar and other sensitive locations, while barricades were installed to regulate movement. Police estimated that around 3,000 to 4,000 people could attend the proposed gathering.

Amid the security measures, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) announced that entry and exit would remain closed at 11 stations until further notice. The affected stations are Janpath, Patel Chowk, Central Secretariat, Rajiv Chowk, Seva Teerth, Mandi House, Lok Kalyan Marg, INA, Chawri Bazar, Ramakrishna Ashram Marg and New Delhi.

However, interchange facilities remain available at Rajiv Chowk, Mandi House, New Delhi and Central Secretariat stations.