SIR row heats up: Delhi tightens security, imposes Section 163 as protests target Gyanesh Kumar; 11 Metro stations shut

After opposition and student groups announced protests against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kuma r over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, Delhi Police has stepped up security around Jantar Mantar. The Delhi Metro has also shut entry and exit at 11 stations in and around the New Delhi district.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), All India Students' Association (AISA), National Students' Union of India (NSUI) and Indian Youth Congress (IYC) are among the groups backing the protests, with organisers demanding Kumar's resignation and alleging mass deletion of voters during the SIR exercise.

Delhi Police denied permission for the proposed demonstration called by AISA, Rajya Sabha MP Manoj Jha and advocate Prashant Bhushan. The protest was scheduled for 11 am on Gandhi Jayanti.

Ahead of the proposed gathering, prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) were imposed in the New Delhi district.

AISA holds Freedom Park protest against SIR, demands halt resignation of Gyanesh Kumar

The order prohibits public meetings or assemblies of five or more people, processions, demonstrations, picketing and dharnas without prior written permission.

It also restricts shouting slogans, making speeches and carrying firearms, banners, placards, lathis, swords, sticks, brickbats and similar articles.

"The order has been enforced to ensure public safety, maintain public order and facilitate smooth traffic movement," a senior police officer told PTI .

According to the police, around 3,000 to 4,000 people are expected to attend the proposed protest. Additional Delhi Police and Central Armed Police Forces personnel have been deployed at Jantar Mantar and other sensitive locations in New Delhi. Barricades have also been put up to regulate movement and prevent unauthorised gatherings.

Amid the security measures, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) said entry and exit at 11 stations would remain closed until further notice. The affected stations are Janpath, Patel Chowk, Central Secretariat, Rajiv Chowk, Seva Teerth, Mandi House, Lok Kalyan Marg, INA, Chawri Bazar, Ramakrishna Ashram Marg and New Delhi.

However, passengers will continue to have access to interchange facilities at Rajiv Chowk, Mandi House, New Delhi and Central Secretariat stations.