The national capital is bracing for one of its most heavily policed days in recent months. Ahead of the Delhi CJP protest planned for October 10, Delhi Police has denied permission for the demonstration at Jantar Mantar, proposed shutting entry and exit at 57 metro stations, and the Home Ministry has approved a 32-hour internet suspension around the Janpath–Kartavya Path area. The matter has now reached the Supreme Court.
Why Permission Was Denied
Delhi Police said the Cockroach Janata Party’s application for the October 10 protest — meant to demand accountability from Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar — was submitted without the minimum 10-day advance notice required for events at Jantar Mantar. Police also cited the party’s alleged non-compliance with directions during an earlier protest, and pointed to preventive restrictions under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) currently in force in the New Delhi area. Officials warned that violations of orders, vandalism or damage to public property would invite legal action.
The denial comes on the third straight day of INDIA bloc protests against the CEC over alleged “vote chori”, including a sit-in at Rajghat. Police have registered 27 FIRs over seven days of protest-related action.
Metro, Trains and Internet: What Commuters Face
The proposed restrictions are sweeping. Police have asked the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation to suspend entry and exit at 57 stations from 9 PM on October 9 until the situation normalises — though interchange facilities may keep running, and the final call rests with DMRC. On the railways side, trains arriving at or departing from New Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin stations between 4 AM and 2 PM on October 10 face cancellation, with some services cancelled at their originating stations from 2 PM on October 9 itself.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Home Affairs has approved suspension of all mobile internet within a 4-kilometre radius of the Janpath–Kartavya Path crossing, from 10 PM on October 9 to 10 PM on October 10. Commuters and travellers should verify train and metro status with Indian Railways and DMRC before stepping out.
Supreme Court Steps In, Rahul Gandhi Escalates
The standoff has reached the country’s top court. Senior advocates Kapil Sibal, Abhishek Manu Singhvi and Gopal Sankaranarayanan mentioned the matter before the Supreme Court, questioning the police restrictions. The court asked whether they were appearing for a petitioner or the protesters directly, whether a related plea was pending before the Delhi High Court (listed for Monday), and directed that the police order denying permission be placed before it.
Politically, the temperature is rising. Addressing INDIA bloc MPs at Parliament’s Central Hall, Rahul Gandhi said “there is a much deeper problem than Gyanesh Kumar, it requires termination of this govt,” adding that continued pressure over the last 3–4 days had “shaken the foundations of this government.” With the protest call, the court hearing and the security lockdown converging on October 10, Delhi is in for a tense 24 hours.
Sources: ABP News, The Hindu. Related: CEC Gyanesh Kumar resignation protest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which metro stations will be closed on October 10?
Delhi Police has proposed suspending entry and exit at 57 metro stations from 9 PM on October 9 until the situation normalises. Interchange facilities may continue. The final decision rests with DMRC, so commuters should check official Delhi Metro announcements before travelling.
Is internet suspended in Delhi for the protest?
Yes, partially. The Home Ministry approved suspension of all mobile internet within a 4-km radius of the Janpath–Kartavya Path crossing, from 10 PM on October 9 to 10 PM on October 10.
What did the Supreme Court say on the CJP protest?
Senior advocates Kapil Sibal, Abhishek Manu Singhvi and Gopal Sankaranarayanan raised the police restrictions before the Supreme Court. The court asked about legal representation, a related Delhi High Court plea, and directed that the police order denying permission be placed before it for examination.
What did Rahul Gandhi say about the protest?
Addressing INDIA bloc MPs, Rahul Gandhi said there is "a much deeper problem than Gyanesh Kumar, it requires termination of this govt," and claimed the opposition's sustained protests had shaken the government's foundations.
