UPDATED: Oct 15, 2026 08:57 IST
The Supreme Court is set to hear a plea challenging the denotification of Jantar Mantar as a designated protest site in the national capital. The petition argues that moving demonstrations to outlying areas stifles democratic dissent by pushing protests out of sight and out of public awareness. It highlights that the right to peaceful assembly includes the right to be seen and heard by authorities and citizens. Meanwhile, the Indian Youth Congress has also approached the Delhi High Court over the police decision. In parallel legal developments, opposition parties, including thirteen leaders jointly and AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi separately, have moved the top court regarding the Election Commission of India. Opposition demands include transparency in Election Commission files, minutes of meetings, an independent audit of the digital portal, interim suspension of the Special Intensive Revision process across states, and the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
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SC Hears Opposition And Owaisi Pleas Against SIR Process And Voter List Deletions
The Supreme Court is hearing petitions challenging the conduct of the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. Two primary petitions have been brought before the apex court: one filed jointly by thirteen opposition leaders and another submitted separately by All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen Chief Asaduddin Owaisi. The pleas question the execution of the revision process, alleging unilateral decision-making by the Chief Election Commissioner without consulting the other two Election Commissioners. The opposition has flagged the deletion of names from the electoral roll, raising concerns over arbitrary procedures, alterations to voter registration forms, and software-generated objections. The petitions contend that statutory norms requiring unanimous or majority decisions within the Election Commission were bypassed and highlight long-standing concerns regarding logical discrepancies in voter revisions across states such as Bengal, Bihar, and Delhi. The top court had earlier issued notice in connected matters, observing that any illegal decisions could be overturned upon examination.
Supreme Court To Hear Opposition And AIMIM Pleas On SIR Exercise Today
The Supreme Court of India is set to hear two key petitions challenging aspects of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. A joint plea submitted by 13 opposition leaders alongside a petition filed by AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi raised concerns over the functioning of the Election Commission of India. The pleas seek an audit of the poll panel's files, review of digital portals, and details regarding deleted voter entries and Form 6 changes. Petitions also allege unilateral decision-making by Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar rather than decisions by majority consensus. The development follows an earlier notice issued by the top court on October 5 directing the poll panel to respond to procedural allegations.
SC & HC Pleas Challenge Jantar Mantar Denotification As Delhi Gets New Sites
The row surrounding the denotification of Jantar Mantar as a designated protest venue has intensified, with legal challenges filed before the Supreme Court and the Delhi High Court. A plea before the apex court contends that the ban impacts citizens' rights to peaceful protest and dissent, while the Indian Youth Congress has also approached the Delhi High Court demanding accessible demonstration venues. Meanwhile, political tensions escalated following the arrest and five-day judicial remand of Cockroach Janta Party leaders for alleged trespassing at the site. Authorities have reiterated that demonstrations will no longer be permitted at Jantar Mantar under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, warning that unlawful assembly, police obstruction, or defiance of lawful orders could attract detention, heavy penalties, and imprisonment. In place of Jantar Mantar, three alternative protest locations have been designated across the capital: Ramlila Ground, Burari Ground, and CBD Ground, with differing participant capacities.
BJP MPs Seek Sacking Of Congress MP, Police Issue Notice, NCW Moved Over Sexual Harassment Case
Women parliamentarians from the Bharatiya Janata Party are seeking a meeting with the Lok Sabha Speaker to demand the termination of membership of a Congress Member of Parliament facing multiple allegations of sexual harassment and inappropriate behaviour. Jawaharlal Nehru University has suspended the former professor following complaints lodged by female students. The Delhi Police have issued summons and pasted a notice outside the parliamentarian's residence directing him to join the ongoing investigation. Meanwhile, a delegation from the party's women wing met the chairperson of the National Commission for Women, submitting a memorandum demanding referral of the matter to the parliamentary ethics panel, suspension pending inquiry, dignity and protection for complainants, and swift legal proceedings. The commission affirmed that it will take cognizance and decide on an appropriate course of action within its mandate. The parliamentarian has denied all allegations, questioned the fairness of the university internal inquiry, and offered to resign if claims are substantiated in a court of law.