Students protest against SIR at Mumbai University, demand arrest of CEC Gyanesh Kumar

Students, activists and working professionals staged a protest outside Mumbai University’s Kalina campus on Friday (October 23, 2026), demanding the complete withdrawal of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, the arrest of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar and fresh elections based on previous voter lists.

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Organised by the Disha Students’ Organisation and Bhagat Singh Jan Adhikar Yatra (BSJAY), the demonstration also called for the repeal of the 2023 law governing the appointment of Election Commissioners. Protesters alleged that the electoral roll revision exercise threatened voting rights, particularly those of marginalised communities, and accused the Election Commission of India (ECI) of acting in the BJP’s interests.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Pooja, coordinator of BSJAY, alleged that the SIR could disenfranchise Muslims, Dalits, Adivasis and working-class voters. She questioned the Election Commission’s independence and accused Mr. Kumar of misusing his authority to benefit the ruling party. She also criticised the 2023 legislation, arguing that it undermined the neutrality of appointments to the Election Commission.

Disha volunteer Abhinash Kumar raised concerns over alleged irregularities in the revision process, questioning changes to voter registration requirements and the functioning of the ECINET platform.

Difficulties in re-enrolment

He argued that long-standing voters whose names were removed from electoral rolls could face difficulties securing re-enrolment. Referring to Form 6, used for new voter registrations, he questioned why existing voters should have to undergo fresh registration procedures.

In a May 27, 2026 ruling, the Supreme Court upheld the validity of the SIR exercise conducted in Bihar, holding that the Election Commission had the authority to undertake electoral roll revisions. However, it clarified that the Commission’s scrutiny of citizenship was limited to determining electoral eligibility and did not amount to a final determination of a person’s citizenship status.

Mr. Abhinash Kumar also accused authorities of attempting to discredit demonstrations instead of addressing the concerns behind them. Drawing parallels with protests during India’s freedom struggle, he maintained that peaceful demonstrations were a constitutional right and called for wider public participation.

Sahil Parsekar, a former Mumbai University student and volunteer with the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), described solidarity among students and activists as a driving force behind the protests.

‘Engage in discussions’

Referring to the alleged detention of activists during earlier anti-SIR demonstrations, Mr. Parsekar said participants had continued organising protests in support of one another. He urged students to engage in discussions about the electoral revision exercise with their families, friends and political opponents, including those supporting the BJP.

He also raised concerns about the documentation requirements associated with the revision process, arguing that they could place an additional burden on ordinary voters.

Dhananjay Tawde, a member of Disha Students’ Organisation, called for expanding the campaign beyond designated protest grounds to university campuses and working-class neighbourhoods.

‘Organise indefinite sit-ins’

He urged students, workers and residents to organise indefinite sit-ins across cities to press for the withdrawal of the SIR. Mr. Tawde also criticised what he described as the excessive deployment of police personnel to monitor demonstrations and alleged that activists were being subjected to preventive detention and restrictions on peaceful assembly.

Rahul, a member of Naujawan Bharat Sabha, remembered the birth anniversary of freedom fighter Ashfaqulla Khan and invoked his legacy of unity across religious and social divisions. He urged protesters to counter what he described as the BJP’s divisive politics through broader public solidarity.

The demonstration also featured political rap performances, group songs and revolutionary slogans, with participants calling for the anti-SIR movement to be intensified in Mumbai and across the country.