02 October,2026 10:58 AM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondent
File Photo
Entry and exit at 11 Delhi Metro stations in central Delhi were closed until further notice on Friday as security was tightened ahead of a proposed protest at Jantar Mantar against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
The restrictions were imposed amid heightened security in the New Delhi area, with Delhi Police denying permission for the proposed demonstration. The protest has been called over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and concerns raised by organisers over the functioning of the Election Commission.
According to the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), entry and exit have been closed at Janpath, Patel Chowk, Central Secretariat, Rajiv Chowk, Seva Teerth, Mandi House, Lok Kalyan Marg, INA, Chawri Bazar, Ramakrishna Ashram Marg and New Delhi stations.
The closures will remain in place until further notice, according to the DMRC. However, commuters can continue to use interchange facilities at Rajiv Chowk, Mandi House, INA, New Delhi and Central Secretariat stations.
The restrictions are expected to affect commuters travelling through several key parts of central Delhi, including Connaught Place, Parliament Street and areas around Jantar Mantar.
The Delhi Traffic Police has also issued an advisory regarding regulated movement and traffic restrictions around Jantar Mantar and adjoining areas. Commuters have been advised to avoid affected stretches where possible, plan their journeys in advance and follow directions issued by traffic personnel.
The Metro restrictions come as security has been strengthened around Jantar Mantar ahead of the proposed demonstration.
Delhi Police and Rapid Action Force personnel have been deployed at the protest site, along with a riot-control vehicle. Additional personnel have also been positioned at key locations in central Delhi to regulate movement and prevent unauthorised gatherings.
Police said a significant turnout was expected for the demonstration and additional security personnel were sought from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs.
The protest has been called by the All India Students' Association (AISA), Rajya Sabha MP Manoj Jha and Supreme Court lawyer Prashant Bhushan. The organisers are seeking the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and have raised allegations concerning the revision of electoral rolls and the conduct of elections.
Delhi Police has said permission has not been granted for the proposed protest at Jantar Mantar.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (New Delhi) Sachin Sharma said prohibitory restrictions under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) were in force in the New Delhi district.
"Section 163 of the BNSS is in force in New Delhi, and protests, demonstrations, marches and similar activities are not permitted. Preventive arrangements have been made, and everyone is requested to follow the law and cooperate with the police. As Section 163 is in force, people are advised not to come to the area for protests or demonstrations. Necessary circulars, notifications and public awareness messages regarding roads and Metro services are being issued."
Under the restrictions, public gatherings and demonstrations require prior permission. Police have said preventive measures have been put in place in view of the proposed gathering.
The Metro closures coincide with traffic restrictions in parts of central Delhi. Movement around Jantar Mantar, Parliament Street, Connaught Place, Patel Chowk and adjoining roads is being regulated, with commuters advised to allow additional travel time.
The restrictions are also taking place on Gandhi Jayanti, with special traffic arrangements in parts of central Delhi for programmes at Rajghat and Vijay Ghat.
Police said further measures could be introduced depending on the situation and movement of people in the area.
The proposed demonstration comes amid an ongoing public and political debate over the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.
