Indian Youth Congress Challenges Delhi Polices Denial of Protest Permission in High Court
The Indian Youth Congress has filed a petition in Delhi High Court after being denied permission to protest against the Chief Election Commissioner.
New Delhi, October 3 (Daily Kiran) : The Indian Youth Congress (IYC) has taken its grievances to the Delhi High Court after the Delhi Police denied them permission to hold a protest at Jantar Mantar. The petition, filed by IYC President Uday Bhanu Chib, seeks judicial intervention against the police’s decision.
In its application, the IYC argued that it wishes to express concerns regarding the electoral process and issues related to the voter list. However, the Delhi Police refused to grant permission for the proposed demonstration.
The IYC is requesting the High Court to intervene and allow them to peacefully protest at Jantar Mantar. This legal action comes on the heels of recent protests against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, which took place a day prior. The Delhi Police registered three FIRs related to these demonstrations, with two filed at the Parliament Street police station and one at Connaught Place.
According to police reports, the FIRs at Parliament Street cite sections 223(a), 221, 132, and 3(5) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The FIR from Connaught Place references the same sections. These actions were prompted by protests on October 2, where various political parties, including Congress, the Aam Aadmi Party, leftist groups, student organizations, and civil society members, demanded the resignation of Gyanesh Kumar.
Prior to the protests, the police had imposed prohibitory orders under section 163 of the Indian Civil Defense Code in New Delhi. Despite this, demonstrators attempted to gather at Jantar Mantar.
Police officials stated that the FIRs were filed based on entries in the daily diary. Currently, no individual or organization has been named as an accused, although the organizers and participating groups have been mentioned.
During the protests, a significant number of individuals were detained. Reports indicate that approximately 750 people were taken into custody from Jantar Mantar and nearby areas. In response to the protests, a large contingent of security personnel was deployed in the vicinity.
Opposition parties and organizations are voicing their dissent against the Special Intensive Review (SIR) being conducted by the Election Commission, along with issues concerning the voter list. They allege that many eligible voters’ names have been removed during the SIR process. This has led to calls for the resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner.
The opposition claims that over 130 million names were omitted from the draft voter list during the SIR. However, the Election Commission defends the SIR process as a necessary measure to ensure the accuracy of voter lists.
