NEW DELHI: Security has been stepped up in New Delhi ahead of a proposed protest against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar at Jantar Mantar on Friday, with Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) in force and restrictions imposed on Metro and road movement in the area.Delhi Police has denied permission for the proposed protest and deployed additional security personnel in and around New Delhi, officials said. The protest is being called by the All India Students’ Association (AISA), Rajya Sabha MP Manoj Jha and Supreme Court lawyer Prashant Bhushan and is scheduled to begin at 11 am.“Permission has not been granted for any type of protest, march at Jantar Mantar and preventive measures have been taken. I would request everyone to abide by the law and cooperate with the police. Section 163 is in force here. Section 163 of the BNSS is in force in New Delhi. Therefore, I am making it clear that no unauthorised sit-in, protest or demonstration is allowed here. I request everyone to follow the law, be law-abiding and cooperate with the police, ” DCP Sachin Sharma told news agency PTI.Police sources said around 3,000 to 4,000 people were expected to attend the gathering, prompting heightened security arrangements in the area.Section 163 BNSS order in force in New DelhiA prohibitory order under Section 163 of the BNSS, 2023, is in force in New Delhi district to ensure public safety, maintain public order and facilitate smooth traffic movement.Under the order, public meetings or assemblies of five or more persons, processions, demonstrations, picketing and dharnas are prohibited without prior written permission.Shouting slogans or making speeches is also prohibited without prior written permission. The order further prohibits carrying firearms, banners, placards, lathis, swords, sticks, brickbats or similar articles.Citizens, visitors and all stakeholders have been advised to strictly comply with the order and refrain from any unauthorised gathering or prohibited activity.Violation of the order shall invite legal action under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, and other applicable provisions of law.11 Delhi Metro stations to remain closedEntry and exit at 11 Delhi Metro stations will remain closed till further notice. However, interchange facilities will remain available at Rajiv Chowk, Mandi House, New Delhi and Central Secretariat stations.The affected stations are:
- Janpath
- Patel Chowk
- Central Secretariat
- Rajiv Chowk
- Seva Teerth
- Mandi House
- Lok Kalyan Marg
- INA
- Chawri Bazar
- Ramakrishna Ashram Marg
- New Delhi
Traffic restrictions, diversions around Jantar MantarDelhi Traffic Police has also issued a traffic advisory for October 2, warning commuters of restrictions and regulated movement around Jantar Mantar and adjoining areas.Traffic diversions and regulations will be in place around Connaught Place, Patel Chowk, GPO, Tolstoy Marg, Jantar Mantar Road, Parliament Street and adjoining roads.Traffic from Connaught Place towards Patel Chowk will be diverted through alternate routes as directed by traffic personnel, while movement from Patel Chowk towards GPO will be regulated or diverted at appropriate points.Traffic movement on Tolstoy Marg will also be regulated or diverted, with commuters advised to avoid the stretch wherever possible. Movement on Jantar Mantar Road will be restricted or diverted, and motorists have been advised to use alternate routes.The traffic police has advised the public to avoid Jantar Mantar, Parliament Street, Ashoka Road and adjoining roads wherever possible.Security beefed up ahead of protestCentral Armed Police Forces (CAPF) personnel have been deployed alongside Delhi Police teams at Jantar Mantar and other key points in New Delhi district.Barricades have been put up and additional personnel positioned at entry and exit points and other sensitive locations to regulate movement and prevent any unauthorised gathering, police sources said.The organisers are seeking the resignation or impeachment of Kumar, alleging irregularities in electoral rolls and the conduct of elections. They have also raised concerns over the Election Commission’s handling of electoral rolls and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise, claiming it raises questions over the protection of citizens’ voting rights.AAP leaders and workers, members of the Indian Youth Congress and others are expected to participate in the protest, sources said.Delhi Police’s decision came a day after AISA national president Neha Bora, Bhushan and Jha announced the proposed gathering at a press conference.Bora said the organisers had informed the Parliament Street police station about the gathering, including the expected turnout, timing and details of those responsible for organising it.The proposed protest comes amid demonstrations by opposition parties, student groups and civil society activists in Delhi over the functioning of the poll panel and the SIR exercise.