Internet services were suspended for 12 hours in and around Delhi’s Jantar Mantar on Friday as opposition parties, student organisations and civil society groups gathered to protest against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar.
Telecom companies, including Airtel, Reliance Jio and Vodafone Idea, were reportedly directed to suspend internet services from 9 am to 9 pm. The restriction covered Jantar Mantar and areas within a 1.5-kilometre radius of the protest site.
The demonstration centred on demands for Kumar’s resignation over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
The internet suspension came alongside heightened security arrangements, prohibitory orders and temporary closures of several Delhi Metro stations.
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Internet Services Suspended Around Protest Site
Authorities ordered the temporary suspension of internet services as several organisations planned demonstrations against the Election Commission.
The restrictions affected mobile internet connectivity around Jantar Mantar and nearby areas.
The reported order covered a 12-hour period, beginning at 9 am and ending at 9 pm on October 2.
However, the copy of the order was not immediately available publicly. There was also no immediate official comment from the Delhi government or the Centre regarding the decision.
This marked the second internet shutdown at Jantar Mantar in three months. Authorities had also suspended services during a July protest organised by the Cockroach Janta Party over the NEET paper leak issue.
Protesters Demand Gyanesh Kumar’s Resignation
Several political parties and student organisations joined the protest to demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
The demonstrators raised concerns about the Election Commission’s handling of the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.
Protesters alleged irregularities in the revision process and raised concerns about the deletion of voters’ names.
The SIR exercise has become a major point of contention between opposition parties and the Election Commission.
The protesters called for accountability and greater transparency in the electoral process.
The Election Commission has faced criticism over the exercise, while allegations of wrongdoing remain disputed.
Over 500 Protesters Detained
Delhi Police detained hundreds of demonstrators as they attempted to reach Jantar Mantar and nearby areas.
Reports put the number of detainees at more than 500, while some accounts cited higher figures.
Among those detained were Aam Aadmi Party leaders Atishi and Saurabh Bharadwaj, along with student activists and members of other political organisations.
Police said the demonstration did not have the required permission. Authorities had also imposed prohibitory orders in the New Delhi district.
Security personnel deployed barricades and additional forces to prevent large gatherings.
Police maintained that they acted to enforce restrictions and manage the situation.
Delhi Metro Stations Temporarily Closed
The protest also disrupted metro services in central Delhi.
The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation temporarily closed entry and exit facilities at several stations as part of security arrangements.
Stations affected included Rajiv Chowk, Central Secretariat, Patel Chowk and Jantar Mantar, among others.
The closures aimed to prevent large groups from reaching the protest area.
Commuters faced inconvenience as security measures affected movement around central Delhi.
Protest Linked to Electoral Roll Revision
The demonstration followed growing opposition criticism of the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.
Opposition parties and civil society groups have raised concerns about the process and its impact on voters.
The Election Commission’s role and the demand for accountability have become central issues in the ongoing protests.
The demonstrators sought Kumar’s resignation and called for action over the alleged irregularities.
The Election Commission has not accepted the protesters’ allegations as established wrongdoing.
Internet Services Restored After 9 PM
The reported suspension was scheduled to end at 9 pm on Friday.
The restrictions formed part of wider security measures around Jantar Mantar during the protest.
The developments brought renewed attention to the use of internet restrictions, prohibitory orders and police action during demonstrations in the national capital.
The protest also highlighted the continuing dispute over electoral-roll revision and the Election Commission’s handling of the process.