Delhi CEC Protests: Over 100 participants detained by Delhi police; HC Dismisses Neha Bora’s plea

Delhi Police on Friday detained more than 100 protesters as demonstrators opposing the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls attempted to march towards the Election Commission of India (ECI) headquarters in central Delhi.

The protesters included members of student groups, left-wing organisations and civil society groups, as well as farmer unions such as the Samyukt Kisan Morcha. Political figures, including CPI(M) leader Brinda Karat, CPI leader P. Sandosh, and members of the All India Democratic Women’s Association (AIDWA) and the All India Democratic Students’ Organisation (AIDSO), also joined the protest.

The demonstrators raised slogans over alleged voter deletions and demanded accountability from Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar as they marched towards the ECI. Delhi Police invoked Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) to prohibit marches and gatherings.

Around 300 people had gathered at Gole Dak Khana, at the intersection of Kalibari Marg and Bhai Vir Singh Marg.

The march was organised by ‘People Against SIR’, a week-old alliance of students, farmers and civil society groups. The protesters planned to march from Bangla Sahib Gurdwara in Delhi’s Connaught Place to the Election Commission’s office near Patel Chowk.

“The People’s March to Reclaim Democracy will not request police permission anywhere,” the platform said in a statement on October 18.

The group also warned the police, paramilitary personnel and prison authorities against using force on peaceful protesters.

The newly formed alliance has planned a “No SIR” campaign under the slogan “Har Gali Jantar Mantar, Har Gaon Jantar Mantar, Mera Ghar Jantar Mantar”.

People Against SIR was formed on October 14 at Surjeet Bhavan in New Delhi by groups representing farmers, workers, women, students, Adivasis, Dalits and minorities.

Meanwhile, the Delhi High Court on Friday dismissed a petition filed by All India Students’ Association (AISA) president Neha Bora challenging a Delhi Police notice directing her to furnish a personal bond of ₹10,000 along with one surety to maintain peace during the inquiry period. The notice followed her participation in the “Lehra Do Tiranga” march on October 16.

Justice Subramonium Prasad, while passing the order, said, “Writ petition is rejected. However, there are certain directions. All the material to be furnished to her.”