Anti-CEC row LIVE: Delhi Police denotify Jantar Mantar as protest site; suggest three new locations

Rahul Gandhi entered Supreme Court Registry as INDIA bloc leaders from the march wait outside the court’s gates. Mr. Gandhi was accompanied by Priyanka Gandhi, Mallikarjuna Kharge and Akhilesh Yadav.- Krishnadas Rajagopal

Bus with INDIA Bloc leaders turned towards Copernicus Marg (leading to India Gate circle). Barricades were put up to stop the protesters. INDIA bloc leaders took out a march on Monday towards SC in demand of resignation of CEC.

Photo credit: Vibha B. Madhava

Congress MP Charanjit Singh Channi says, “People from across the country have come here and brought Delhi to a standstill. We are opposed to SIR and ‘Vote theft’…They have rigged the voter list and looted the elections in Haryana, Assam, and Bihar in this manner. Now, they are preparing to do the same in Punjab. That is why people have taken to the streets, to ensure that our votes are not deleted…” – ANI

Police started pushing back protesters near Barakhamba Road during INDIA bloc march against CEC. ​

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Protecting democracy is above any politics; voting rights have been taken away from citizens, says Congress MP Shashi Tharoor at INDIA bloc march to Supreme Court.

Police add more barricades on Bhagwan Das Road amid INDIA bloc’s protest march against CEC. Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, others already filed petition on Monday afternoon in SC alleging irregularities in SIR.

Delhi Metro Rail Corporation said on October 12, at 5:04 p.m. said,”entry and exit gates of all Metro Stations of the Delhi Metro network are now open. The interchange facility at all the concerned Metro stations is also available.”

Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Monday (October 12) moved the Supreme Court seeking the formation of an independent committee to enquire into the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) and decision-making process concerning it within the Election Commission of India.

The petition sought a re-look into the online mechanism for voter registration and services like the ECINet portal.

The Congress leader urged the apex court to call for records and official notings concerning the SIR process from the Election Commission of India.

-Krishnadas Rajagopal

Photo credit: R. V. Moorthy

“We have come all the way from Rajasthan to join the protest to protect our constitution,” a protester from Dausa, Rajasthan said.

Photo credit: Congress

INDIA bloc announced that they would file a petition before the apex court in connection with CEC Gyanesh Kumar’s removal and their allegations with respect to the SIR process.

On the INDIA Bloc protest march, Samajwadi Party Chief Akhilesh Yadav says, “The country will be saved only if the BJP is removed. Democracy will be saved if the BJP is removed.”

INDIA alliance partners began march to Supreme Court. Representatives from INDIA bloc will submit a petition demanding the removal of CEC Gyanesh Kumar, an immediate halt to the SIR process, and an end to police repression against democratic voices.

AISA president Neha, Yogendra Yadav and other representatives of Krantikari Yuva Sangathan (KYS) with the delegation in the bus towards Barakhamba junction.

Protestors join LoP Rahul Gandhi, INDIA bloc leaders to march to Supreme Court over CEC.

“We have come all the way from Rajasthan to join the protest to protect our constitution,” a protestor from Dausa, Rajasthan

The CPI(M) today vowed to intensify its struggle against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral roll, demanding Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation, the withdrawal of the exercise and a repeal of the law governing the appointment of election commissioners.

In a statement issued after its Central Committee meeting held here on October 9 and October 11, the Left party alleged that the SIR threatens democratic rights and the right to vote, and raised questions about the Election Commission’s (EC) functioning and independence.

It said the credibility of the poll panel has suffered following a report published in The Indian Express on the SIR process. The party alleged that workers of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) at the Centre are submitting Form-7 applications in bulk to get genuine voters deleted, and raised concerns over changes to the EC’s information-technology architecture and an alleged illegal amendment to Form 6.

-PTI

From the anti-CEC march at the Barakhamba Road intersection.

Photo: Ayaan Paul Chowdhury

The Congress today attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah over the denotification of Jantar Mantar as a protest site, alleging that democracy no longer mattered to them and that it was all a matter of “demokursi”.

Congress general secretary in-charge, communications, Jairam Ramesh claimed that it was a definite sign of “extreme panic” gripping the PM-HM duo that the historic Jantar Mantar will no longer be a place where democracy is given a daily booster dose.

“The poisonous pair is embattled, and we have seen in the past few days how brutally they have dealt with peaceful public protests,” he said on X.

“Democracy no longer matters for them. It is all a matter of Demokursi,” Mr. Ramesh added.

-PTI

Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke today slammed the decision to denotify Jantar Mantar in Delhi as a designated protest site and warned “ab poora desh Jantar Mantar banega” (entire nation will turn into Jantar Mantar).

A standing order issued on October 11 by Delhi Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar named Ramlila Maidan, Burari Ground and CBD Ground in east Delhi as the new designated sites for protests and demonstrations.

“They have removed Jantar Mantar as a designated protest site. Yes, it’s no a longer protest site as anyway it was turned into a war zone by the coward dictator. Ab poora desh Jantar Mantar banega!,” Mr. Dipke said in a post on X.

-PTI

The crowd start cheering loudly as Rahul Gandhi, standing inside the bus, is suddenly visible to the crowd following the INDIA bloc march from Barakhamba Road.

Photo: Sushil Kumar Verma

Rahul Gandhi, in his press briefing, said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is protecting Gyanesh Kumar.

Rahul Gandhi’s march to the Supreme Court to the Chief Justice of India is a “drama”, said Union minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

Congress is trying to create anarchy by spreading falsehoods in its bid to come to power, he added.

-PTI

Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) co-convener Saurav Das today said the government’s decision to denotify Jantar Mantar as a protest site is “unacceptable”, and they “do not accept this arbitrary decision”.

The remarks came as Delhi Police denotified Jantar Mantar as a designated site for protests and named three new spots for holding such demonstrations, according to an official order.

“Unacceptable. Why is Narendra Modi scared of Jantar Mantar?” Das said in a post on X.

Read more:

The Delhi High Court today asked the city police to file a status report in relation to civil rights activist Mohammad Wasiq Nadeem Khan’s allegation that he was recently illegally detained to stop him from attending a peaceful protest at Jantar Mantar.

A bench of Acting Chief Justice Nitin Wasudeo Sambre and Justice Sanjay Sharma issued notice on Mr. Khan’s petition, which also alleged constant surveillance and phone calls from police, and questioned the police’s counsel on the conduct of the police personnel.

Although the bench acknowledged that the police have the right to deny permission for holding a protest, it orally questioned during the hearing, “How can you enter the house of this man? You have your right to conduct your duty (but) how can you do it in such a way? Where is your cause to confine him?”

-PTI

Keralam Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan has denied any political vendetta behind the state government’s decision to order a Vigilance probe into allegations linked to a road project involving CEC Gyanesh Kumar when he was state PWD secretary two decades ago.

Mr. Satheesan’s comments came amid intense protests in Delhi and other parts of the country, led by the Congress, demanding the removal of the Chief Election Commissioner over alleged irregularities in the electoral process in light of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter rolls.

“It is not political. There is no political vendetta,” Mr. Satheesan said in a recent interview with PTI Videos.

-PTI

Lawyers make their way to join the protest March led by Rahul Gandhi in New Delhi on October 12, 2026.

Photo credit: Sandeep Phukan

Police form a row before the Congress protestors at Barakhamba intersection, Delhi. –

– Sandeep Phukan

Why is Narendra Modi scared of Jantar Mantar, asks CJP’s Saurav Das on Jantar Mantar being denotified as designated protest site. 

We don’t accept this arbitrary decision; it’s an assault on people’s right to protest, he says.

Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke on Monday alleged that Delhi police subjected him and his family to “mental torture”, adding that his kin and lawyer were unaware about his whereabouts during detention on October 10 ahead of the outfit’s stir at Jantar Mantar.

Mr. Dipke, who was in Santuk Pimpri in Hingoli after the passing away of his grandmother a couple of days ago, told reporters he was detained from the aircraft when his flight landed in Delhi and that the police did not inform his parents or lawyers about his whereabouts.

– PTI

“Three new venues viz Ramlila Ground, Burari Ground and CBD Ground, East Delhi have been designated as new venues for organizing protest/demonstrations,” the police said in a statement.

Democratic activities must take place smoothly, but there should be no obstruction in the functioning of the Supreme Court or movement of lawyers, Chief Justice of India Surya Kant said on Monday after agreeing to hear pleas, including one filed by the SCBA over difficulties faced by lawyers amid protests.

A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana took note of the submissions made by senior advocate and Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) president Pradeep Rai, who highlighted the issues arising from the protests.

“Democratic activities must take place smoothly, but there should be no obstruction to the functioning of the Supreme Court or movement of lawyers, court staff and litigants,” the CJI said.

-PTI

Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant today said that every lawyer has the right to participate in peaceful protests at designated locations.

The observations were made when a bench comprising the CJI and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana was told by senior advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan that lawyers were detained and that there were instances of “police excesses” during demonstrations against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the Election Commission.

The bench agreed to list the matter for hearing tomorrow.

-PTI

The Delhi High Court today granted time till October 13 to the city police to respond to a plea of the Indian Youth Congress (IYC) seeking permission to protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar at Jantar Mantar over alleged irregularities in the SIR exercise.

At the outset, Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Chetan Sharma, representing Delhi Police, told Justice Amit Mahajan that he will take instructions on the issue and inform the court tomorrow

Noting the statement of the ASG, the court then listed the matter for hearing tomorrow.

-PTI

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi today defended the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, describing it as a necessary exercise to uphold electoral integrity and protect voters’ rights.

His remarks came as opposition parties demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the cancellation of the entire SIR exercise, alleging that around 13 crore eligible voters had been deleted from electoral rolls.

“SIR is a necessary and constructive exercise to uphold the integrity of our electoral system. Its effective implementation, with fairness and due diligence, will help ensure that electoral records remain reliable and that the democratic process commands the confidence it deserves,” he said in a social media post.

“The credibility of a democracy rests on free and fair elections and the protection of every eligible citizen’s right to vote. Clean and accurate electoral rolls are fundamental to this trust,” he added.

-PTI

CJP leaders Ashutosh Ranka and Saurav Das went to Parliament Street police station on Monday to seek a date for a peaceful protest at Jantar Mantar.

Speaking to the media outside the police station, the CJP leaders said they would give the police a 24-hour ultimatum, or they would issue another call to protest.

Police tightened security in the area, and the road outside the police station was closed as the two leaders arrived.

A public announcement was made outside the police station, asking people to comply with security restrictions and prohibitory orders, maintain peace and avoid unauthorised gatherings.

-PTI

The Delhi Police today denotified Jantar Mantar as a protest site, based on committee recommendations.

The police suggest three new locations: Ramlila Ground, Burari Ground and CBD Ground.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis today accused the Opposition of attempting to “demonise” judicial institutions and erode public trust in them after the Chief Justice of India declined to meet parties protesting against CEC Gyanesh Kumar in Delhi.

The opposition parties have announced a march to the Supreme Court on Monday to demand an end to “vote chori” and the resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC).

Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge had sought a meeting with Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant. However, the CJI has declined to meet them over “vote chori” allegations, saying similar matters are sub judice in the Supreme Court, sources said.

Speaking to reporters in Nagpur, Fadnavis slammed opposition leaders for taking out a march to the Supreme Court, terming the move “anti-constitutional” and alleging they resorted to abusive language when CJI Surya Kant refused to grant an audience.

-PTI

“The Honourable CJI has instructed us to file a petition and INDIA bloc leaders and I will go to the Supreme Court to file this petition,” Rahul Gandhi says.

Mr. Gandhi talks about patience and perseverance. “That’s how the nation is built. But we won’t tire and back off,” he said.

Honourable CJI not meeting us is not relevant; this is relevant, he says.

Gyanesh Kumar has made a mistake, but he is the mind behind the mistake, Rahul Gandhi says.

“We are after the people who are behind what Gyanesh Kumar did.”

“It is very easy for you. Resign and get out of the way,” he asks CEC Gyanesh Kumar. He adds that the Opposition might even think of forgiving Mr. Kumar, because resighning would be a service to the nationa nd the Constiturion.

Rahul Gandhi says the PM Narendra Modi is blocking the protest with thousands of police personnel just because the Opposition is asking to prove that he hasn’t cheated in elections.

He also says that the Opposition is going to take the proof. “You might have noticed that there was no denial from the President of India’s office. The denial was quietly made by the Prime Minister’s office.”

“We are not fighting for the street; we are fighting for the heart of the Indian people.”

“We are telling the Indian people that this type of India is dangerous for you. This type if India suits Mr. Ambani, Mr. Adani, Mr. Modi and Mr. Doval.”

“The more they block, the more they are falling for our trap.”

The Keralam Legislative Assembly today passed a resolution seeking the removal of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar and steps to improve transparency in the functioning of the Election Commission of India.

The ruling Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) and the Opposition CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) supported the resolution moved by Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) objected to the contents of the resolution and proposed amendments, but they were rejected.

Read more:

“I am saying to people from every Opposition party and the youth of India, this is the fight for your future,” says Rahul Gandhi.

He says anyone who is restricted from attending the protest due to restrictions from their profession can be part of the protest the way they wish, even without physically being present.

Till the Constitution is upheld, till the Chief Election Commissioner is removed, till the system of elections is revamped, till justice is served for India, the youth won’t stop. Do whatever you can,” says Rahul Gandhi.

“Five criminals who have attacked the idea of India and attacked the soul of India will face justice. Will not stop following them.”

He says whoever wants to save the Constitution can join the march by the INDIA bloc at C.P. Barakhamba intersection at Connaught Place at 1:30 p.m.

“Even if you are from the BJP and you think the Constitution is being attacked, join the march,” he adds.

“Don’t think the resistance of people started five days ago, it started years ago,” says Rahul Gandhi.

“We have been asking questions for a long time; we have been resisting for years.”

“The police are also tired of the way you are. Even the police have doubts in their minds about why they are saving a thief like Gyanesh Kumar, why they are saving traitors.”

Even the two Election Commissioners have asked why Gyanesh Kumar has not resigned, says Rahul Gandhi.

Lakhs of people are asking questions about the Chief Election Commissioner, he says, adding that “we won’t stop asking questions, because there are people with you and we have to remove you to reach them.”

The goons of the BJP and RSS are attacking women and the youth, says Rahul Gandhi.

“50% of the police personnel say that what the Opposition parties are doing is right,” Mr. Gandhi says.

Rahul Gandhi says that the government has made Delhi a fortress. He asks why people are not allowed to reach Delhi.

He says the government is committing a mistake by protecting CEC Gyanesh Kumar.

“Ye mera mudda nahin hai. (This matter doesn’t pertain to my domain),” Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant said on today, when asked about protests against the CEC in Delhi over the past few days and the associated restrictions.

The CJI was interacting with reporters on the sidelines of an event to commemorate the 33rd anniversary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) at Vigyan Bhawan here.

The last few days have seen protests against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar in different parts of Delhi. Over the weekend, the capital turned into a fortress, with massive deployment of security personnel, closure of 45 metro stations and intensive checks at the city’s border points.

-PTI

The Supreme Court agreed to hear tomorrow petitions, including one filed by the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA), raising concerns over difficulties faced by lawyers amid ongoing protests in the national capital.

Taking note of the submissions, Chief Justice of India Surya Kant said, “Democratic activities must take place smoothly, but there should be no obstruction to the functioning of the Supreme Court or movement of lawyers, court staff and litigants”.

A bench comprising CJI Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana took note of the submissions made by senior advocate and SCBA president Pradeep Rai, who highlighted various issues, including the restrictions on internet services, amid the protests.

The bench agreed to take up the matter tomorrow.

-PTI

Rahul Gandhi is scheduled to hold a press briefing soon at Indira Bhawan in New Delhi.

Chief Justice of India Surya Kant said today that democratic and political protests need to take place, but the “Supreme Court should not be dragged into it”.

“There should not be any inconvenience caused to litigants, lawyers, court staff. I have also requested…” Chief Justice Kant said in open court.

The CJI’s remarks come even as the Opposition leaders are expected to march to the Supreme Court as part of the anti-CEC protests today. The court premises are seeing a heavy security presence.

– Krishnadas Rajagopal

The Delhi High Court today declined to hear a plea challenging Jantar Mantar’s closure for peaceful protests.

The HC listed it for tomorrow, noting that the Supreme Court is already seized of the matter. The plea says no alternative protest site has been earmarked.

A separate plea alleging harassment of protesters by outsiders on October 10-11 will also be heard tomorrow.

Read more:

Cockroach Janta Party convenor Abhijeet Dipke today accused the Narendra Modi government of waging a war against citizens to protect Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar amid growing demands for his resignation.

The activist reached his native village, Santuk Pimpri, in Hingoli district of Maharashtra late last night, and visited the site where his grandmother’s final rites were performed.

In a sharp post on X, Mr. Dipke wrote, “Youth are being assaulted, journalists are being assaulted, even MPs are being assaulted by Delhi Police. What makes Gyanesh Kumar so indispensable to Modi that he is willing to wage war against everyone just to protect him?”

-PTI

Security was tightened outside the Parliament Street police station on Monday (October 12, 2026) as Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) leaders prepared to approach the Delhi Police to seek a fresh date for their proposed protest at Jantar Mantar, days after the police denied permission for their October 10 demonstration.

CJP co-convenor Ashutosh Ranka said he, along with Saurav Das, Ratna Singh and other party leaders, would visit the police station to seek a date for holding a peaceful protest at the designated protest site.

“Delhi Police can give us a date for Jantar Mantar in 24 hours, or we will give another protest call ourselves,” Mr. Ranka said. – Lavpreet KaurRead more:

The Himachal Pradesh Congress held a protest march at Himachal Bhawan in Delhi against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged electoral roll irregularities, as the INDIA bloc prepared to march to the Supreme Court on Monday (October 12, 2026), demanding action over the issue and Mr. Kumar’s resignation.

High security arrangements have been put in place in central Delhi ahead of the INDIA bloc’s planned march. Barricades have been erected at multiple locations, while entry and exit at certain metro stations are scheduled to remain closed from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. on October 12 for security reasons.

Security personnel have been deployed near Barakhamba Road and Mandi House, with the Rapid Action Force (RAF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Delhi Police personnel also stationed in the area. — ANI

Delhi Police has filed an FIR against AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal and other party leaders on a complaint by the Delhi Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) over alleged ruckus at Bangla Sahib Gurdwara, sources said on Monday (October 12, 2026).

In the complaint lodged on Sunday (October 11, 2026), the DSGMC alleged that workers and supporters associated with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) entered the gurdwara premises and started protesting there, creating chaos and disturbance, thereby attempting to misuse the sanctity of ‘Guru Ghar’ for political activity.

The complaint also said that AAP leaders and MLAs circulated videos on social media presenting a “distorted version” of the incident and blaming the gurdwara management committee.

An investigation has been launched into the matter and the footage provided by the complainant is being examined to establish the sequence of events, the police sources said. — PTI

The Delhi Police on Sunday (October 11, 2026) said they had offered all possible assistance to Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke after learning of his grandmother’s death, responding to his allegation that a delay in his release from detention prevented him from attending her funeral.

At a press meet, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Neha Yadav shared a 1.45-minute video showing officers informing Mr. Dipke of his grandmother’s death and offering to arrange travel for him to attend the last rites.

Leaders of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) in Jharkhand have alleged that they were followed by men in plain clothes while travelling to Delhi to join the anti-SIR protests and warned of detention after their train entered UP.

CJP Jharkhand coordinator Khusboo Choudhary told PTI on Sunday (October 11, 2026) that she boarded a train from Ranchi to Delhi on the night of October 8 but abandoned her journey after suspecting that she was being followed.

“Soon after boarding the train, I noticed around eight people following me and recording videos of me. Later, during ticket verification, the TTE warned me that men in plain clothes were following me and that I could be detained once the train entered Uttar Pradesh,” she alleged.

Choudhary said she boarded the train around midnight and reached Bokaro station at about 3.30 a.m., where she decided to get off and take another train back to Ranchi.

She said the experience strengthened her resolve to join the protests in Delhi, and added that the party would also start demonstrations against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar in Jharkhand. — PTI

The Constitution of India guarantees all citizens the fundamental right to peaceful assembly and protest. The right to organise, assemble, and speak is at the core of democracy, and the curtailment of any of the fundamental rights is a curtailment of democracy itself. That being the promise of the Constitution to every citizen, regardless of gender, caste, or status, it is unsettling that the Government of India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi is brazenly knocking down those rights through police high-handedness across the country, particularly in Delhi, the capital. Youth and student organisations, such as the CJP, the AISA, SFI and AISF, had called for ​a peaceful protest on October 10​. Instead of ensuring peaceful assembly, as per the law of the land, the Centre ordered a countrywide swoop, where thousands of young people were taken into preventive detention and ​Delhi was locked down​ as if under martial law.

​Read The Hindu’s Editorial​

The past few months have seen considerable action at the barricades of Jantar Mantar. A recent media investigation on happenings in the Election Commission of India (ECI) sparked a new wave of protests, this time against the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar. The demand for Mr. Kumar’s resignation has become a demand for electoral integrity itself. On October 2, 2026, prohibitory orders under Section 163 were imposed across the New Delhi district ahead of the protest against the CEC at Jantar Mantar. A number of Metro stations were closed, and major traffic restrictions were announced.

The protesters courting detention while peacefully demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar on October 10 brings back to life Mahatma Gandhi’s statement during a 1922 sedition trial in a colonial court on how dissent must confront power.

The youth protesters had called for passive resistance amidst the massive build-up of security forces in the national capital.

The intense and unabated protests happening around and about the Election Commission of India (ECI) have thrown up a bigger question — whether the much vaunted Indian election is losing its shine. This concern is irrespective of when and how the immediate fire is doused, for the smoke could linger. The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and its management have raised many questions during the last year, inviting attention, litigation and agitation. But the malaise facing the Indian electoral system is even wider. The unidimensional nature of the present noise might be drowning a larger challenge; the current scenario may only be a wakeup call.

The Mumbai Police on Sunday (October 11, 2026) detained several people gathered near Shivaji Park in Dadar to participate in a protest demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar. The agitators alleged they were prevented from reaching the protest site despite assembling peacefully.

The protesters claimed police personnel had been deployed at multiple entry points around Shivaji Park and that several people were detained even before they could join the demonstration. Some alleged that people who were merely standing or walking in the area were also taken into custody.

The Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI), the youth wing of the CPI(M), will move the Supreme Court challenging what it described as the “illegal detention” and “custodial torture” of its activists, Rajya Sabha member and national president of the organisation, A.A. Rahim, said on Sunday (October 11, 2026).

Mr. Rahim alleged that DYFI members were holding a peaceful protest when police personnel “dragged them off the road and forced them into a bus”. He claimed that, instead of a police station, the detainees were driven to a location without CCTV coverage.

Details of about 29,000 Form 7 applications, submitted primarily to seek the deletion of names from electoral rolls, received in Karnataka until October 8, 2026, amid the ongoing special intensive revision (SIR) process, have not been made public on the websites of the State’s Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) or the Election Commission of India (ECI).

This is despite communications from the CEO and the ECI that details of all Form 7 applications would be made available for public scrutiny.

Delhi Traffic Police has enforced traffic diversions and issued advisories for the national capital on October 12, 2026.

This comes as Opposition parties and members of the INDIA bloc hold a march to the Supreme Court against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the SIR exercise. However, Chief Justice of India Surya Kant has declined to meet with the Opposition leaders ‘with reasons.’ 

Entry and exit at six metro stations will remain closed from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday (October 12, 2026) ahead of the Opposition’s Supreme Court march, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) said in a post on X.

The six metro stations where entry and exit will remain closed are: Patel Chowk, Janpath, Rajiv Chowk, Mandi House, Central Secretariat and Barakhamba Road, the DMRC said.

Rajya Sabha MP John Brittas and All India Students’ Association president Neha were among several protestors allegedly injured by security forces as they were being detained in the capital on Sunday (October 11, 2026), the second day of a protest called by youth organisations demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

Despite the Supreme Court’s directives on Saturday (October 10), around a dozen journalists were detained on Sunday (October 11) while covering the protest at different locations. There was no official announcement by Delhi Police on the total number of detentions on Sunday.

Several student activists from AISF, SFI and KYS were detained by police during a protest march from Rajiv Chowk Metro station towards Janpath in Delhi’s Connaught Place. 

Protesters were taken away in U.P. Police buses, with some SFI activists claiming they were being taken to an unknown location. The detentions come a day after a protest at Raj Ghat, where a female police officer was seen pinning down a protester and holding them by the throat.

CJP co-convenor Ashutosh Ranka said he and other leaders of the outfit would approach Delhi Police on Monday (October 12, 2026) to seek a date for holding a peaceful protest at the Jantar Mantar, a day after three of its top leaders were detained at Delhi airport ahead of its planned demonstration in the capital. 

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For the BJP, removing Dharmendra Pradhan as Union Education Minister was politically manageable, but with CEC Gyanesh Kumar, things are different. Either retaining or losing him has risks.

A News Analysis by Varghese K. George