New Delhi: The national capital has been placed under an extensive security clampdown ahead of a planned demonstration by the CJP to demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Following the denial of permission for the protest by Delhi Police, authorities invoked Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita to restrict large gatherings.
The Ministry of Home Affairs approved a temporary suspension of mobile internet services within a four-kilometre radius around the Janpath-Kartavya Path crossing from 10 PM on October 9 to 10 PM on October 10. Directives were issued to major telecom operators including Airtel, Vodafone Idea, Jio, and MTNL to implement the shutdown.
Security measures across the city involve the deployment of more than 20,000 police and paramilitary personnel, the establishment of 15 dedicated detention centres, and the sealing of the Delhi-Noida border at the Chilla checkpoint where Border Security Force troops have been positioned. Sweeping operational disruptions include the closure of 57 metro stations, the cancellation of scheduled mail express trains, and restrictions on app-based cabs and hotels.
During proceedings, the Supreme Court scrutinised the heavy restrictions, refusing a blanket metro shutdown and calling for proportionality to avoid severe inconvenience to commuters. Meanwhile, CJP leaders maintained that they would proceed with the demonstration, criticizing the heavy security and transport disruptions as an attempt to curb their constitutional right to peaceful protest and suppress democratic dissent.