Multiple protests took place across Delhi on Wednesday demanding the restoration of Jantar Mantar as a protest site and the resignation of chief election commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over SIR deletions.
Indian Youth Congress (IYC) activists, led by president Uday Bhanu Chib, marched from Patel Chowk to Jantar Mantar on Wednesday afternoon demanding the restoration of people’s right to protest peacefully at Jantar Mantar, the resignation of Gyanesh and an independent inquiry into alleged police brutality. They were stopped by the police and detained. Jantar Mantar was denotified as a protest site on Monday.
“Jantar Mantar belongs to the people of this country. It is a symbol of our democratic rights, our constitutional freedoms and our collective voice against injustice,” the IYC said, asserting that it will continue its struggle to reclaim Jantar Mantar as a space where citizens can peacefully raise their concerns without fear, intimidation or arbitrary restrictions.
The IYC reiterated that the right to peaceful protest is a fundamental democratic principle and an essential pillar of the Constitution. It said that public spaces meant for democratic expression must remain accessible to citizens raising questions about governance, accountability and the functioning of constitutional institutions. They condemned the alleged brutality by Delhi Police on Congress workers and citizens during recent protests and demanded a fair, independent and impartial inquiry.
The National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) also held a protest near Parliament Street police station demanding that an FIR be lodged against the “assault” by Delhi Police on its women members.
Student Federation of India (SFI) and Democratic Youth Federation of India activists marched from Firoz Shah Road to Jantar Mantar. Hundreds of party members were detained and taken to unknown locations, the SFI said.