Delhi Police has imposed Section 163 BNSS restrictions in sensitive areas to maintain public order and prevent potential security threats as the national capital braces for planned demonstrations at Jantar Mantar. Security has been heavily reinforced across central Delhi, affecting daily commuter movement, commercial operations, and transit networks. The mobilization has been organized by the Cockroach Janta Party alongside student groups demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the electoral roll revision process, adding to separate criticisms from the INDIA bloc regarding the election oversight body.
Authorities have officially denied permission for the demonstration, citing a delayed application filing and rule infractions during previous gatherings. In response to the planned rally, the Election Commission of India headquarters on Ashoka Road has been heavily fortified with barricades and restricted road access. Additionally, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs authorized a 24-hour mobile internet suspension within a four-kilometre radius around the Janpath-Kartavya Path zone, running from Friday evening through Saturday evening under public security regulations.
The disruptions extend significantly across transportation systems. Following an intervention by the Supreme Court—which directed the Centre and Delhi Police to avoid blanket shutdowns that cause extreme inconvenience to ordinary citizens—the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation revised its planned closures down to 45 stations instead of 57. Entry and exit gates at stations including Janpath, Rajiv Chowk, Central Secretariat, and New Delhi will remain shut through Saturday evening, though interchange options remain open at most affected stops except for New Delhi.
Railway operations have also faced major curtailments, with 254 services cancelled between early morning and afternoon hours on Saturday. The cancellations impact 75 mail and express trains—including prominent Rajdhani and long-distance services—as well as 179 local commuter routes connecting the capital to neighbouring regions like Ghaziabad, Meerut, Panipat, and Kurukshetra. Traffic police have issued extensive advisories warning of road diversions around Connaught Place, Mandi House, Dhaula Kuan, and Sansad Marg, advising travelers heading toward terminals and airports to factor in significant delays.
Commercial activity in central business districts has also slowed as a precaution. The New Delhi Traders Association issued a circular advising business owners, offices, and restaurants in Connaught Place to keep establishments shuttered for the day to minimize potential risks to property and ensure safety amid the heightened security climate.