Delhi imposes restrictions ahead of protests against CEC Gyanesh Kumar
Traffic diversions and movement controls have been implemented on key routes around Jantar Mantar.
In light of the protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar regarding irregularities in the SIRO and election fraud at Jantar Mantar, significant restrictions related to metro and road traffic have been implemented for travelers in Delhi on Friday, October 2. It has been announced that entry and exit at 11 Delhi Metro stations will remain closed until further notice. Meanwhile, with a prohibitory order in effect in the New Delhi district, traffic diversions and control measures have been arranged on major routes around Jantar Mantar. Therefore, it is essential for travelers to know their routes and the status of metro stations before leaving home.
The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has informed about the station closures through a notice on the social media platform X. The declared list includes Janpath, Patel Chowk, Central Secretariat, Rajiv Chowk, Seva Tirth, Mandi House, Lok Kalyan Marg, INA, Chawri Bazar, Ramakrishna Ashram Marg, and New Delhi. Passengers will not be able to exit from these stations nor enter the metro premises. This arrangement will remain in effect until further notice.
However, despite the closure of entry and exit, the interchange facility will continue at some major stations. According to available information, interchange will be available at Rajiv Chowk, Mandi House, New Delhi, Central Secretariat, and INA. This means that passengers will be able to catch trains on another line within the metro premises. However, those who make these stations their starting or final stop will need to make alternative arrangements. It is necessary to plan the journey considering this difference between the station gates being closed and the interchange remaining operational.
Along with the metro-related restrictions, the Delhi Police has imposed a prohibitory order under Section 163 of the Indian National Security Code (BNSS) in the New Delhi district. According to the police, the aim is to ensure public safety, maintain law and order, and facilitate smooth traffic. Under the order, prior written permission is mandatory for several public activities. Citizens and those coming to the capital have been urged to comply with these directives.
According to the police advisory, public meetings and gatherings of five or more people will be prohibited without prior written permission. Marches, protests, picketing, sit-ins, shouting slogans, and giving speeches have also been banned. Additionally, carrying weapons, banners, placards, sticks, swords, rods, stones, or similar items will be prohibited. The police have advised people to avoid participating in any unauthorized gatherings or activities that are restricted by the order.
Those violating the order will face action under Section 223 of the Indian Penal Code (BNP, 2023) and other applicable legal provisions. Therefore, it will be essential to obtain the relevant permissions and be aware of local directives before participating in any public event or group activity. Since the prohibitory order is in effect in the New Delhi district, individuals coming to this area must exercise special caution.
The Delhi Traffic Police has also issued a separate advisory for those traveling by road. According to it,
On October 2, there will be traffic restrictions and controlled movement in and around Jantar Mantar. Diversions or traffic regulations will be in effect on Connaught Place, Patel Chowk, GPO, Tolstoy Marg, Jantar Mantar Road, Parliament Street, and surrounding roads. Travelers are advised to avoid affected routes and choose alternative paths wherever possible.
Drivers passing through these areas should allow extra time for their journeys. The police have appealed for people to follow the diversion boards and the instructions of traffic personnel present on-site. Patience should be maintained in case of route changes, and traffic rules should be followed while proceeding. Planning alternative routes before reaching the affected roads can reduce travel inconvenience.
Currently, no specific time has been announced for the reopening of entry and exit at metro stations. Therefore, passengers should check the latest updates from DMRC and Delhi Traffic Police instead of relying on old messages. Especially those heading towards New Delhi and Central Delhi should start their journey only after obtaining information about their destination, available stations, and road routes.