New Delhi: The birth anniversary of the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, is being celebrated across the country today, and a public holiday has been declared. Meanwhile, Delhi’s Jantar Mantar grounds could see a large turnout of protesters marking Bapu’s birth anniversary. Several political and social organisations have called for a major demonstration demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities regarding the SIR (Systematic Information Retrieval/Systematic Information Record).
The Delhi Police have swung into action even before the crowds could gather for this protest. They have invoked Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) in the Jantar Mantar area. Furthermore, gatherings will not be permitted in the Connaught Place area, and traffic restrictions have been imposed there. Security personnel have also been deployed at the borders with Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.
Deployment of Police and Paramilitary Forces
Delhi Police stepped up their vigilance as soon as the protest against Gyanesh Kumar at Jantar Mantar was announced and began making arrangements to maintain peace. Additional forces have been deployed in the VVIP areas of New Delhi.
Along with the police, paramilitary personnel have also been deployed. Thousands of security personnel have been stationed across the city with the aim of maintaining law and order.
Ban on Carrying Posters and Banners
Delhi Police have imposed several restrictions regarding the call for the protest at Jantar Mantar. An order covering the Parliament Street sub-division has been issued; under Section 163, citizens are prohibited from carrying banners or posters.
Additionally, permission has not been granted for slogan-shouting or delivering speeches. The Delhi Police has imposed strict regulations, completely banning items such as weapons, posters, banners, lathis, spears, swords, and sticks.
Notice Issued by Delhi Police
It is worth noting that the New Delhi District Police issued a public notice prior to the commencement of the protests. The notice states that Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, has been invoked to ensure public safety, maintain law and order, and facilitate smooth traffic flow. Unauthorised gatherings, speeches, slogan-shouting, processions, demonstrations, sit-ins, and similar activities are prohibited. The police have urged citizens to strictly adhere to the order.
Call for Protest by CJP
The echoes of protest will be heard not only in Delhi but also in Mumbai, the nation’s financial capital. The ‘Cockroach Janta Party’ has announced a protest in Mumbai on October 2nd to demand the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET exam paper leak. They have appealed to a large number of their workers and supporters to participate in this demonstration.
