The Delhi protest Supreme Court hearing on Thursday (October 15, 2026) saw the apex court issue notices to the Election Commission of India and the Delhi government over the crackdown on protests in the national capital on October 10.
A bench led by the Chief Justice of India took up multiple petitions, including a challenge to the de-notification of Jantar Mantar as a designated protest site and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s plea concerning the Election Commission.
Supreme Court Issues Notices, Orders CCTV Footage Preserved
The court issued notices to the Union of India and the Commissioner of Police, Delhi, on the plea challenging the de-notification of Jantar Mantar. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told the court that a committee had been constituted before the decision was taken, as reported by NDTV Profit.
The bench also directed all law enforcement agencies to preserve CCTV footage related to the protests, including the court’s own footage, after counsel made the request during the hearing.
During the proceedings, the Delhi Police Commissioner tendered an “unconditional apology” to the Supreme Court in a contempt matter, while the Union Home Secretary apologised for the suspension of internet services but defended the decision, according to the Hindustan Times live blog.
Rahul Gandhi’s Plea Against SIR Taken Up
The court also took up Rahul Gandhi’s petition challenging the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal appeared for Gandhi. The court issued notice to the Election Commission, the Chief Election Commissioner and the two Election Commissioners, tagging the plea with other pending ECI matters.
The Chief Justice of India noted that the notice was subject to an explanation of Gandhi’s conduct, clarifying that issuing notice did not amount to condoning it.
Background: What Happened on October 10
On October 10, Delhi Police detained Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the youth-led Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), on board his flight from Mumbai to Delhi, along with co-convenors Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka, as the capital was locked down to prevent a rally at Jantar Mantar.
The CJP had called for a protest demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over the Special Intensive Revision of voter lists. The party has claimed the revision removed around 130 million names, while the Election Commission has maintained the exercise removes duplicate and ineligible entries. A BJP spokesperson has said the allegations have “no base, not an iota of evidence,” as reported by The Insight International.
Delhi Police refused permission for the gathering. More than 25,000 police and security personnel were deployed across the capital, roads around Jantar Mantar were barricaded, and nearly 50 metro stations were shut, according to reports.
What Happens Next
The court has sought replies from the concerned authorities. The bench observed that the issue required consideration and noted that if the replies were not satisfactory, the law would take its course.
The Supreme Court also took up a plea regarding the alleged assault of a female journalist at Jantar Mantar by a Delhi police officer, directing that no coercive action be taken against her.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Jantar Mantar de-notification issue?
Authorities de-notified Jantar Mantar as a designated protest site, citing safety, traffic and security concerns. A petition challenging this decision was taken up by the Supreme Court on October 15, 2026.
What is Rahul Gandhi's plea about?
Rahul Gandhi has challenged the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The Supreme Court issued notice to the Election Commission, the Chief Election Commissioner and the two Election Commissioners on his plea.
What happened in Delhi on October 10, 2026?
Delhi Police detained CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke and two co-convenors ahead of a planned rally at Jantar Mantar demanding the CEC's resignation over voter list revision. Over 25,000 security personnel were deployed and nearly 50 metro stations were shut, as reported.
What did the Supreme Court order about CCTV footage?
The court directed all law enforcement agencies to preserve CCTV footage related to the protests, including the court's own footage.
