IdeaWazaWiki

Archive:2026 anti-CEC protests

Template:AI-generated Template:Pp Template:Short description Template:Use dmy dates Template:Infobox too large Template:Infobox civil conflict

The 2026 protests against the Chief Election Commissioner of India, also described in news reports as the anti-CEC protests, are a series of demonstrations demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and changes to the Election Commission of India's (ECI) Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls as a result of the 2026 Indian electoral controversy.[1]

The protests began in September 2026 following an investigation published by The Indian Express on 23 September, which reported that the two other election commissioners had formally objected on multiple occasions to decisions concerning the electoral-roll revision.[2] The demonstrations have involved opposition parties belonging to the INDIA bloc, the youth-led Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), and student and civil-society groups. Protests have taken place in New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and other cities.[3]

Background

2026 Indian electoral controversy

In September 2026, journalist Ritika Chopra, published a series of investigative reports in the The Indian Express,[4] which alleged internal dissent within the Election Commission of India (ECI) regarding its handling of Special Intensive Revisions (SIR), a process for revision and verification of voter rolls which was already under scrutiny for procedural flaws and administrative failures resulting in mass disenfranchisement of voters that were otherwise found eligible.[4][5][6]

Gyanesh Kumar, a retired 1988-batch Indian Administrative Service officer of the Kerala cadre, became the 26th Chief Election Commissioner of India on 19 February 2025. He had been appointed an election commissioner in March 2024.[7] He was the first chief election commissioner appointed under the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023. The other members of the three-member Election Commission during the controversy were Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi.Template:Cn

The 2025–2026 Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls began in Bihar in June 2025 and was subsequently extended to other states. The exercise was intended to verify and update electoral rolls. Reporting on the revisions published in September 2026 stated that more than 71% of the names deleted up to that point had been classified under the category "absent, shifted or others".[8] Opposition parties criticised the deletions, describing them as "vote theft" and alleging that eligible voters had been excluded. The Election Commission of India (ECI) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) maintained that the exercise was intended to remove duplicate, deceased and otherwise ineligible entries.[2][9]

On 23 September 2026, an investigation by The Indian Express, subsequently reported by The Times of India, described at least 14 objections raised over 10 months by election commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi concerning decisions related to the SIR.[10] According to the reporting, the objections concerned changes to Form 6, the centralisation of electoral-roll databases through ECINet and ERONET, the restoration of eligible voters, and the handling of appeals, including reports of numerous appeals filed through a single login in West Bengal. The investigation also reported concerns that some decisions had been issued without the concurrence of the full Commission.Template:Cn

The ECI responded that the commissioners' queries and suggestions concerned operational matters at the draft stage and formed part of normal administrative practice. It maintained that the final decisions relating to the SIR were taken unanimously.[11]

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and opposition parties subsequently demanded Kumar's resignation and called for the cancellation or suspension of the SIR. Other demands included restoring electoral rolls predating the revision, an independent inquiry into the process, a return to paper-ballot voting and repeal of the 2023 appointment law. The Congress demanded Kumar's resignation, cancellation of the SIR and a return to paper ballots, while the CJP also called for a temporary suspension of upcoming elections and criminal proceedings against him.[12][13][14] INDIA bloc, a major political alliance of opposition parties, demanded temporary suspension of SIR, no deletion of voters without notice and hearing, publication of details of deleted voters, disclosure of internal records and decision making of the ECI, independent audit of the SIR including software employed in the process, and proper recording of all decisions made in the SIR process.[15]

The BJP characterised the demonstrations as politically motivated, while opposition leaders argued that the revision threatened voting rights and electoral fairness.Template:Cn

Protests

Template:See also On 24 September 2026, the Cockroach Janta Party, gave Gyanesh 48 hours to resign as CEC and threatened nationwide protests. Its demands included Gyanesh's resignation, criminal proceedings against him, a freeze on upcoming assembly elections and the rollback of the SIR.[16][17][18]

On 25 September, the Indian National Congress organised protests in several states demanding Kumar's resignation; some demonstrators and party leaders also called for his arrest. Police used tear gas and water cannons in locations including Chandigarh, Chennai, Patna and Lucknow, while tear-gas shells were reported in Imphal.[19][3] Demonstrators were detained in several states. In Assam, state Congress president Gaurav Gogoi was detained during a protest.[20] Reuters reported demonstrations in at least a dozen states. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi accused the Commission of vote theft, while the BJP characterised the campaign as a reaction to electoral defeat.[21][22]

CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke organized protests on 2 October, in recognition of Gandhi Jayanti, at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi, and Shivaji Park, Mumbai following a 'Jail Bharo Andolan' strategy where protestors let themselves be arrested, since permission to organize protests at both locations was denied by police authorities.[23][24] CJP organized the protest at Shivaji park despite strict legal restrictions under Bombay High Court rulings limit non-sporting and political gatherings at the ground to protect its status as a residential neighborhood and sports complex.[23][24] Following successful conduction of the protests, CJP announced a second phase of protests, called "Protest 2.0" (referring to a different protest) starting from October 10.[25][26]

On 4 October, the All India Students' Association (AISA) led a march in Delhi towards Jantar Mantar that was stopped by police barricades on Ashoka Road. Shiv Sena (UBT) and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, including participation by other political parties, also organized a march in Mumbai demanding SIR to be scrapped and return to paper ballots, "Virat Garjana Morcha" from Metro Cinema to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation headquarters in Mumbai attended by nearly 6000 people.[27][28] The Hindu reported that nearly 500 people were detained on 4 October in Delhi, while other reporting gave a lower figure of approximately 110 for detentions associated with the day's clashes including AISA national president, Neha Bora. Reports also said that 12 to 15 police personnel were injured.[27][29][28] Three women journalists filed FIR alleging sexual harassment by Delhi ACP, Vivek Bhagat in the protests, who were counter sued for discriminatory remarks under SC/ST act.[30][31][32] The case is being examined in the Supreme court based on petition by Network for Women in Media and Delhi Union of Journalists.[33][34] Following the incident, all senior police officers were directed to wear bodycams.[35]

On 5 October, the Supreme Court of India declined to grant an interim order suspending Kumar and issued notice to the ECI and other respondents on petitions challenging the decision-making process relating to the SIR.[36][37]

From 2 to 8 October, the INDIA bloc conducted a series of protests including district-level marches and a march by opposition members of parliament to the ECI on 6 October with a proposed meeting with President Droupadi Murmu demanding Gyanesh's resignation, restoration of pre-SIR electoral rolls and suspension of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise, a return to paper ballots and an appeal process for voters excluded from the rolls. This meeting was attended by a 10 member delegation consisting of top leaders within the INDIA bloc which included Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, Mamata Banerjee, Omar Abdullah, Supriya Sule, M. A. Baby, D.Raja, Manoj Jha, Thol. Thirumavalavan and Rajeev Rai.[38][39] Key members of the protest were briefly detained.Template:Cn

On 8 October, CJP organised a demonstration at Freedom Park in Bengaluru, Karnataka. Participants included Dipke, co-conveners Ashutosh Ranka and Saurav Das, actor-activist Prakash Raj, digital commentator Dhruv Rathee and civil-society representatives. The event included a "People's Tribunal" at which participants described alleged errors in electoral databases and exclusions from the rolls. Organisers demanded that the SIR be scrapped and Kumar resign. The demonstration also featured "chappal protest", a protest involving footwear directed at effigies or posters of the ECI and the CEC.[40][41][42]

At Chennai, the Students' Federation of India and the All India United Students' Federation also staged protests demanding the resignation or removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and opposing the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Around 150 people were detained, and a First Information Report (FIR) was registered in connection with the protests. Former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin criticised the arrests. In Delhi, the youth organisation Krantikari Yuva Sangathan (KYS) held a protest at the Red Fort, followed by another protest along the Yamuna river on 11 October. KYS activists described these locations as new sites of protest after being denied access to the streets. The organisation also staged a protest outside the Supreme Court of India, demanding action against the Delhi Police over the detention of peaceful protesters, which the protesters alleged violated the court's directions.[43][44]

On 12 October, INDIA Bloc organized a march towards Supreme Court and filed a petition against the CEC, Gyanesh Kumar and was also supported by various student bodies.[45]

Jantar Mantar 2.0 protests

On 5 October, CJP announced a further demonstration at Jantar Mantar for 10 October, referred to as "Jantar Mantar 2.0". Delhi Police denied permission for the gathering, saying the organisers had submitted their request too late. Ahead of the proposed protest, police conducted overnight operations and detained people with criminal records, according to reports by The Hindu.[46][47]

Authorities imposed extensive security restrictions in Delhi ahead of the protest. Measures included the closure of 45 metro stations, restrictions on mobile internet services in parts of central Delhi, cancellation and rescheduling of over 200 trains, barricades and the deployment of over 20,000 police and paramilitary personnel, which were undertaken by invoking 168 BNSS for preventative measures against cognizable offense.[48][49][50][51]

On 10 October, police prevented demonstrators from assembling at Jantar Mantar and detained thousands of people across Delhi. Police figures reported 2,500 protestors detained whereas media reports claimed 7,000 - 15,000 detained.[52] Some protesters held smaller demonstrations at other locations in the capital after police blocked access to the planned venue.[53] Notable figures among those detained were CJP leaders Abhijeet Dipke, Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka, and its allies Dhruv Rathee and Neha Bora.[54] Major political figures were also detained during the protest, including, Arvind Kejriwal, Pinarayi Vijayan, Manik Sarkar, Mamata Banerjee, Atishi Marlena, Brinda Karat and John Brittas. Most detainees were released the same day.[55][48][56] Protestors were boarded on bus and sent to various stadiums in Delhi for processing detention.[57] Restrictions on train and metro were removed following a Supreme Court order on the following day.[58][59] The Delhi Police filed at least ten First Information Reports (FIRs) and detained five people linked to counter-protest assaults and harassment of protesters.[60]

CJP's national organisation in-charge, Ajinkya Shinde, announced that the group would continue its campaign and called for another march to Jantar Mantar at 10 am on 11 October.[61][62] The leading members of CJP, Abhijeet Dipke, Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka, were released from detention on 11 October under surety bond of ₹50,000 for peaceful conduct following which CJP decided to march to the Parliamentary street police station on 12 October for seeking a date for conducting protests while other organizations attempted continuing protests.[63][64][65] Hours after CJP submitted its request, Jantar Mantar was denotified as protest site and three alternative protest sites were notified Template:Mdash Ramlila Maidan, CBD Ground and Burari Ground.[66][67][68]

On 13 October 2026, CJP members, Das and Ranka along with 12 other party members, climbed past locked gates and barricades into Jantar Mantar and waved the national flag chanting slogans demanding CEC Gyanesh Kumar's resignation in defiance of denotification of Jantar Mantar as protest site. They were shortly detained again and sent to five days of judicial custody in Tihar Jail, following FIRs for trespassing, disobedience of official orders and obstruction of police personnel on duty.[69][70][71]

CJP denounced their arrest and announced 'Lehra Do Tiranga' Template:Literal translation protest on 16 October for waving the national flag at Central Park, where he was briefly detained and released upon signing a second bond.[72][73] Both Das and Ranka were released on October 21, 2026 as their detention was extended, after they submitted an undertaking that they would not call for any protests at Jantar Mantar until it remains a denotified protest site, of maintaining peaceful conduct, and of "upholding faith" in judiciary system.[74] AISA president, Neha Bora received a show-cause notice requiring her to sign a peace bond on October 17. Bora claimed that it was a tactic to curb protests and challenged the order in court.[75][76][77]

Reactions

The protests drew criticism from 42 former judges, they described the campaign against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar as an attempt to undermine constitutional institutions.[78][79] Various BJP members, including Chief ministers Devendra Fadnavis, Suvendu Adhikari, Mohan Yadav and Pushkar Dhami, claimed The Indian Express expose as fabrications.[80] Other members countered with election conduct under Congress.[80][81] Several BJP figures, including union ministers Kiren Rijiju and Sukanta Majumdar, have accused the protests of being organized with funding by George Soros, alleging that the protests were intended to bring about regime change outside the electoral process, and to destabilise the country.[82][83][84] Senior advocate Prashant Bhushan also said that the movement had become a struggle for regime change and described a change of government as a democratic right. AISA leader Neha Bora also referred to Bangladesh's youth-led movement as an inspiration for democratic and voting rights activism.[85] Various opposition figures have also maintained that a change of government should occur through elections.[86]

Misconduct during protest by policing authority is also another widely criticized subject. A group of more than twenty United Nations human rights experts issued a joint statement in Geneva that brought attention to the situation on a global scale. The statement called for independent judicial oversight and expressed grave concerns about reports of gender-based abuse in the protests, detentions, arbitrary arrests, and excessive force.[87] The UN panel's conclusions were categorically rejected by India's Ministry of External Affairs, which criticized the experts for using unsubstantiated claims to create a "selective targeting" narrative against Indian democratic institutions and described the remarks as an unjustified meddling in domestic constitutional matters.[88] On 10 October protests, the United Nations human rights office expressed concern about the detentions and called for respect for peaceful assembly. India rejected the criticism as interference in its internal affairs and said that peaceful assembly was constitutionally protected, subject to lawful restrictions.[48][89]

Various protestors had raised allegations of sexual harassment by police authority, which opposition members denounced and Rahul Gandhi also extended litigation support for members affected.[90][91] A coalition of left-wing civil rights groups, including the National Federation of Indian Women (NFIW) and the All India Democratic Women's Association (AIDWA), marched to the Delhi Police Headquarters on 17 October 2026, and delivered a formal memorandum calling for the immediate suspension and prosecution of officers implicated in the alleged physical and sexual assaults.[92]

See also

References

Template:Notelist

  1. ↑ "Gyanesh Kumar: CJP, or Cockroach Janta Party, calls for protests against election chief". BBC News. 2 October 2026. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ck62mped4rz9o. 
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 "14 times in 10 months, two Election Commissioners objected on record to poll panel steps". The Indian Express. 23 September 2026. https://indianexpress.com/article/express-exclusive/election-commission-sir-14-objections-gyanesh-kumar-sukhbir-singh-sandhu-vivek-joshi-10889737/. 
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Jamkhandikar, Shilpa (25 September 2026). "Indian police use tear gas against protesters seeking chief election commissioner's resignation". Reuters. https://www.reuters.com/world/india/indias-cockroach-movement-protest-oct-2-if-poll-chief-does-not-quit-by-saturday-2026-09-25/. 
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Chopra, Ritika (23 September 2026). "14 times in 10 months, two Election Commissioners objected on record to poll panel steps". The Indian Express. https://indianexpress.com/article/express-exclusive/election-commission-sir-14-objections-gyanesh-kumar-sukhbir-singh-sandhu-vivek-joshi-10889737/. 
  5. ↑ Pandey, Geeta (24 September 2026). "Why India's Election Commission is in the eye of a storm - again". BBC News. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cqkgw68yjg29o. 
  6. ↑ Chopra, Ritika; Nath, Damini (23 September 2026). "Election Commissioners knocked on Cabinet Secretary’s door over voter software integrity". The Indian Express. https://indianexpress.com/article/express-exclusive/election-commission-special-intensive-revision-sir-electoral-roll-centralisation-eci-ecinet-10889738/. 
  7. ↑ "Shri Gyanesh Kumar and Shri Sukhbir Singh Sandhu assumed charge as the Election Commissioners". Press Information Bureau. 15 March 2024. https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2014866&reg=48&lang=2. 
  8. ↑ "Of those deleted in SIR so far, over 71% in 'absent, shifted or others' category" (in en-IN). The Hindu. 2026-09-30. ISSN 0971-751X. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/of-those-deleted-in-sir-so-far-over-71-in-absent-shifted-or-others-category/article71524969.ece. 
  9. ↑ "Mass protests demanding poll chief resignation shake India for third day". https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/10/4/mass-protests-demanding-poll-chief-resignation-shake-india-for-third-day. 
  10. ↑ "14 objections in 10 months: Inside the Election Commission's SIR firestorm". The Times of India. ISSN 0971-8257. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/toi-plus/politics/14-objections-in-10-months-inside-the-election-commissions-sir-firestorm/articleshow/134439894.cms. 
  11. ↑ "EC on 'SIR split' row: Poll Panel says 'queries' raised by commissioners 'part of standard practice'". The Times of India. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/ec-on-sir-split-row-ec-says-queries-raised-by-commissioners-part-of-standard-practice/articleshow/134431151.cms. 
  12. ↑ "Protests held across country demanding CEC Gyanesh Kumar's ouster, hundreds detained". The Hindu. 2 October 2026. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/protests-held-across-country-demanding-cec-gyanesh-kumars-ouster-hundreds-detained/article71537923.ece. 
  13. ↑ "CJP gives CEC 48 hrs to quit, wants SIR halted; threatens nationwide stir". The Times of India. 25 September 2026. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/cjp-gives-cec-48-hrs-to-quit-wants-sir-halted-threatens-nationwide-stir/articleshow/134467698.cms. 
  14. ↑ "Kharge calls CEC's resignation, scrapping of SIR, ballot paper polls 'non-negotiable'". National Herald. 5 October 2026. https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/politics/mallikarjun-kharge-calls-cecs-resignation-scrapping-of-sir-ballot-paper-polls-non-negotiable. 
  15. ↑ Venugopal, Aiswarya (2026-10-12). "INDIA bloc moves Supreme Court against ECI: 6 key demands on SIR" (in en). https://english.mathrubhumi.com/news/india/india-bloc-supreme-court-plea-eci-sir-demands-opuv1hvw. 
  16. ↑ "There will be protests across India: CJP demands CEC Gyanesh Kumar's resignation in 48 hours". India Today. 24 September 2026. https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/gyanesh-kumar-resignation-cjp-protests-poll-freeze-abhijeet-dipke-jantar-mantar-cec-election-commission-itspc-3001904-2026-09-24. 
  17. ↑ "India: CJP Founder Abhijeet Dipke Address Press Conference Amid ECI Dissent Row Over SIR". Reuters. 24 September 2026. https://www.reutersconnect.com/item/india-cjp-founder-abhijeet-dipke-address-press-conference-amid-eci-dissent-row-over-sir/dGFnOnJldXRlcnMuY29tLDIwMjY6bmV3c21sX01UMVNJUEEwMDA3QkswTk4. 
  18. ↑ "CJP's 3 demands after ECI row: Resign, freeze SIR, put on hold upcoming polls". ThePrint. 24 September 2026. https://theprint.in/feature/cjps-dipke-says-nationwide-protest-if-cec-gyanesh-kumar-doesnt-resign-in-24-hours/3052008/. 
  19. ↑ "Congress takes out protest, CPI demands sacking of CEC" (in en). 2026-09-26. https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2026/Sep/26/congress-takes-out-protest-cpi-demands-sacking-of-cec. 
  20. ↑ "Gaurav Gogoi detained during Assam Congress protest demanding CEC's removal". The Hindu. PTI. 25 September 2026. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/gaurav-gogoi-detained-during-assam-congress-protest-demanding-cecs-removal/article71507995.ece. 
  21. ↑ Sharma, Saurabh (4 October 2026). "Protests intensify in India over demands for election chief to quit". Reuters. https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/protests-demanding-indian-election-chief-resigns-escalate-2026-10-04/. 
  22. ↑ "Congress leads protests demanding CEC's resignation, arrest". The Hindu. 25 September 2026. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/congress-leads-protests-demanding-cecs-resignation-arrest/article71509581.ece. 
  23. ↑ 23.0 23.1 Sharma, Hitesh (2 October 2026). "Delhi Metro shuts 12 stations amid Jantar Mantar protest over SIR, CEC" (in en-IN). https://m.economictimes.com/news/india/delhi-metro-closes-11-stations-as-security-tightens-ahead-of-oct-2-protest-in-new-delhi/articleshow/134630848.cms. 
  24. ↑ 24.0 24.1 "CJP to protest against CEC Gyanesh Kumar in Mumbai on October 2, Dipke challenges CM Fadnavis" (in en-IN). The Hindu. 2026-10-01. ISSN 0971-751X. https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/mumbai/cjp-to-protest-against-cec-in-mumbai-on-october-2-dipke-challenges-cm-fadnavis/article71533827.ece. 
  25. ↑ "CJP to protest against CEC Gyanesh Kumar in Mumbai on October 2, Dipke challenges CM Fadnavis". The Hindu. 1 October 2026. https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/mumbai/cjp-to-protest-against-cec-in-mumbai-on-october-2-dipke-challenges-cm-fadnavis/article71533827.ece. 
  26. ↑ Sharma, Hitesh (2 October 2026). "Delhi Metro shuts 12 stations amid Jantar Mantar protest over SIR, CEC". https://m.economictimes.com/news/india/delhi-metro-closes-11-stations-as-security-tightens-ahead-of-oct-2-protest-in-new-delhi/articleshow/134630848.cms. 
  27. ↑ 27.0 27.1 "500 detained in Delhi on Day 3 of protests seeking CEC's exit; Thackerays lead Mumbai march". The Hindu. 4 October 2026. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/500-detained-in-delhi-on-day-3-of-protests-seeking-cecs-exit-thackerays-lead-mumbai-march/article71544629.ece. 
  28. ↑ 28.0 28.1 "Anti-CEC protests become bigger as thousands hit streets in Mumbai, Delhi". The New Indian Express. 5 October 2026. https://www.newindianexpress.com/india/2026/Oct/05/anti-cec-protests-become-bigger-as-thousands-hit-streets-in-mumbai-delhi. 
  29. ↑ "Protests against CEC Gyanesh Kumar: 110 detained in Delhi, march held in Mumbai; clashes reported". CNBC-TV18. 5 October 2026. https://www.cnbctv18.com/india/protests-against-cec-gyanesh-kumar-delhi-mumbai-sir-election-commission-clashes-20004293.htm. 
  30. ↑ "Protest against Gyanesh Kumar: Journalists allege sexual harassment by cops; Crime Branch to probe claim" (in en). 2026-10-04. https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/delhi-police-crime-branch-probe-sexual-harassment-journalists-jantar-mantar-protest-cec-gyanesh-kumar-10905997/. 
  31. ↑ "Anti-CEC protest: SC grants interim protection to woman journalist in SC/ST Act case filed by Delhi Police ACP" (in en). 2026-10-15. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/india/anti-cec-protest-sc-grants-interim-protection-to-woman-journalist-in-sc-st-act-case-filed-by-delhi-police-acp/. 
  32. ↑ "Anti-CEC protest: SC grants interim protection to woman journalist in SC/ST Act case filed by Delhi Police ACP" (in en). 2026-10-15. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/india/anti-cec-protest-sc-grants-interim-protection-to-woman-journalist-in-sc-st-act-case-filed-by-delhi-police-acp/. 
  33. ↑ "Anti-CEC protest: SC grants interim protection to woman journalist in SC/ST Act case filed by Delhi Police ACP" (in en). 2026-10-15. https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/india/anti-cec-protest-sc-grants-interim-protection-to-woman-journalist-in-sc-st-act-case-filed-by-delhi-police-acp/. 
  34. ↑ "Delhi journalist who accused ACP of sexual harassment slapped with SC/ST Act over ‘casteist remarks’" (in en-IN). The Hindu. 2026-10-14. ISSN 0971-751X. https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/delhi-journalist-who-accused-acp-of-sexual-harassment-slapped-with-scst-act-over-casteist-remarks/article71584365.ece. 
  35. ↑ "Delhi Police wear body cameras at INDIA bloc protest, days after sexual harassment allegations" (in en-IN). The Hindu. 2026-10-06. ISSN 0971-751X. https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/delhi-police-wear-body-cameras-at-india-bloc-protest-days-after-sexual-harassment-allegations/article71550435.ece. 
  36. ↑ "SC declines interim order on plea for CEC Gyanesh Kumar's suspension, seeks EC response". Scroll.in. 5 October 2026. https://scroll.in/article/print/1096189. 
  37. ↑ "SIR Row: Supreme Court declines interim suspension of CEC Gyanesh Kumar". CNBC-TV18. 5 October 2026. https://www.cnbctv18.com/india/sir-row-supreme-court-declines-interim-suspension-of-cec-gyanesh-kumar-20004558.htm. 
  38. ↑ "INDIA bloc announces nation-wide protest from Oct 2; demands CEC Gyanesh Kumar's ouster". The Hindu BusinessLine. 30 September 2026. https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/india-bloc-announces-nation-wide-protest-from-oct-2-demands-cec-gyanesh-kumars-ouster/article71529420.ece. 
  39. ↑ "Protests against SIR, CEC: Is it time for Congress and INDIA bloc to take a leaf out of CJP's playbook?". The Times of India. 30 September 2026. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/protests-against-sir-cec-is-it-time-for-congress-and-india-bloc-to-take-a-leaf-out-of-cjps-playbook/articleshow/134597912.cms. 
  40. ↑ "Prakash Raj, Dhruv Rathee lead Bengaluru CJP protest, demand scrapping of SIR, CEC's resignation". The New Indian Express. 8 October 2026. https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/bengaluru/2026/Oct/08/prakash-raj-dhruv-rathee-lead-bengaluru-cjp-protest-demand-scrapping-of-sir-cecs-resignation. 
  41. ↑ "CJP protest highlights: Bengaluru protest ends; Oct 10 Jantar Mantar stir gets BKU support". Hindustan Times. 8 October 2026. https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/cjp-bengaluru-protest-live-updates-abhijeet-dipke-dhruv-pathee-freedom-park-cec-gyanesh-kumar-row-101791432258607.html. 
  42. ↑ "CJP Bengaluru 'Chappal protest' today: After Delhi and Mumbai, Cockroach Janta Party turns to IT city; check timing, venue, demands and other details". The Economic Times. 8 October 2026. https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/new-updates/cjp-chappal-protest-in-bengaluru-on-october-8-after-delhi-and-mumbai-cockroach-janta-party-turns-to-it-city-timing-venue-and-all-you-need-to-know/articleshow/134760436.cms?from=mdr. 
  43. ↑ "Chasing CEC Gyanesh Kumar's resignation has made me a professional runner, says Neha Bora". The Telegraph India. https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/chasing-cec-gyanesh-kumars-resignation-has-made-me-a-professional-runner-says-neha-bora-prnt/cid/2184243. 
  44. ↑ "Sporadic protests break uneasy calm in Delhi". The Hindu. https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/sporadic-protests-break-uneasy-calm-in-delhi/article71572311.ece. 
  45. ↑ "INDIA bloc marches through Delhi, takes SIR protest to Supreme Court" (in en-IN). The Hindu. 2026-10-12. ISSN 0971-751X. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-bloc-marches-through-delhi-takes-sir-protest-to-sc/article71576536.ece. 
  46. ↑ "Ahead of anti-CEC protest, Delhi Police detains at least 100 with criminal records in overnight operation". The Hindu. 10 October 2026. https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/delhi-police-detain-at-least-100-with-criminal-records-in-overnight-ops-ahead-of-cjp-protest/article71566967.ece. 
  47. ↑ "At least 1000 detained overnight in Delhi ahead of today's CJP protest" (in en). 2026-10-10. https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/delhi-1000-detained-overnight-ahead-cjp-aisa-protest-gyanesh-kumar-cockroach-janta-party-all-india-students-association-10914951/. 
  48. ↑ 48.0 48.1 48.2 "India detains thousands, locks down Delhi to foil election chief protest". Reuters. 10 October 2026. https://www.reuters.com/world/india/delhi-sealed-off-ahead-youth-protest-against-indian-election-chief-2026-10-10/. 
  49. ↑ "Delhi braces for CJP protest: 45 metro stations shut, trains cancelled, 23,000 security personnel deployed". The Hindu. 9 October 2026. https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/delhi-cjp-protest-october-10-2026-jantar-mantar-traffic-restrictions-police-deployed-everything-you-need-to-know/article71563807.ece. 
  50. ↑ "'Don't use hammer to kill a fly': SC asks Centre to ease metro, train curbs ahead of CJP protest" (in en). 2026-10-09. https://www.newindianexpress.com/india/2026/Oct/09/dont-use-hammer-to-kill-a-fly-sc-asks-centre-to-ease-metro-train-curbs-ahead-of-cjp-protest. 
  51. ↑ "Delhi CEC protests | SC seeks police orders, considers plea for women-led committee" (in en-US). https://www.scobserver.in/journal/delhi-cec-protests-sc-seeks-police-orders-considers-plea-for-women-led-committee/. 
  52. ↑ "Restrained, detained, contained: Clampdown foils stir, thousands confined to home, nabbed on way". The Times of India. 2026-10-11. ISSN 0971-8257. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/restrained-detained-contained-clampdown-foils-stir-thousands-confined-to-home-nabbed-on-way/articleshow/134861054.cms. 
  53. ↑ "Delhi protest: Mamata Banerjee and other Trinamool Congress leaders detained from South Avenue bus stop" (in en-IN). The Hindu. 2026-10-10. ISSN 0971-751X. https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/mamata-banerjee-other-trinamool-congress-leaders-delhi-protest-cec-gyanesh-kumar-updates/article71567576.ece. 
  54. ↑ "CJP's fresh Jantar Mantar Chalo call as Dipke, 2 others remain out of touch". India Today. 10 October 2026. https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/delhi-protest-cjp-gyanesh-kumar-3000-detained-sunday-jantar-mantar-march-3014474-2026-10-10. 
  55. ↑ "Over 5,000 detained in Delhi amid anti-CEC protest". The Hindu. 10 October 2026. https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/over-5000-detained-in-delhi-amid-anti-cec-protest/article71568666.ece. 
  56. ↑ "Jantar Mantar barred, protesters spread out, demonstrations pop up at multiple sites". The Indian Express. 10 October 2026. https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/cjp-protest-flash-demonstrations-dilli-haat-raj-ghat-10915952/. 
  57. ↑ Kaushik, Shrimansi (2026-10-11). "Over 2,500 detained as anti-CEC protesters seek to march to Jantar Mantar" (in en-IN). The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/over-2500-detained-as-anti-cec-protesters-seek-to-march-to-jantar-mantar/article71570567.ece. 
  58. ↑ "Delhi Anti-CEC Protest Supreme Court Hearing: Pleas on Police Brutality, Illegal Detentions and Delhi Metro Shutdown". The Indian Express. 15 October 2026. https://indianexpress.com/article/legal-news/protest-hearing-supreme-court-live-updates-detentions-sir-10922411/. 
  59. ↑ Ritu (2026-10-12). "Delhi Metro closures and alleged illegal detentions during CJP protest: What did the Supreme Court say on 11 October?" (in en-US). https://www.scconline.com/blog/post/2026/10/12/sc-on-delhi-metro-shutdown-and-illegal-detention/. 
  60. ↑ "Delhi Police register 10 FIRs, arrest five over alleged assaults on anti-CEC protesters". The New Indian Express. 18 October 2026. https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/delhi/2026/Oct/18/delhi-police-register-10-firs-arrest-five-over-alleged-assaults-on-anti-cec-protesters. 
  61. ↑ "CJP calls for 'Chalo Jantar Mantar' protest on Sunday at 10 am". The Indian Express. 10 October 2026. https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/cjp-chalo-jantar-mantar-protest-sunday-10916030/. 
  62. ↑ "'Will not go back till CEC resigns': CJP to resume Delhi protests on Sunday". The New Indian Express. 10 October 2026. https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/delhi/2026/Oct/10/will-not-go-back-till-cec-resigns-cjp-to-resume-delhi-protests-on-sunday. 
  63. ↑ "Anti-CEC protest Highlights, October 11: CJI Surya Kant declines to meet INDIA bloc leaders; Delhi Police detain women protesters in the evening" (in en-IN). The Hindu. 2026-10-11. ISSN 0971-751X. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/cjp-protests-delhi-police-abhijeet-dipke-neha-bora-congress-rahul-gandhi-detentions-cec-gyanesh-kumar-resignation-live-updates/article71570231.ece. 
  64. ↑ "CJP leaders to meet Delhi Police today to seek date for 'peaceful protest'" (in en). 2026-10-11. https://indianexpress.com/article/india/cjp-leaders-gyanesh-kumar-ashutosh-ranka-saurav-das-meet-delhi-police-october-12-seek-date-peaceful-protest-10917090/. 
  65. ↑ "'De-escalate law enforcement, allocate protest site': What CJP told Delhi Police" (in en). 2026-10-12. https://indianexpress.com/article/india/cjp-delhi-police-protest-janatar-mantar-cec-gyanesh-kumar-10917927/. 
  66. ↑ Singh, Paras (2026-10-13). "Jantar Mantar gone, Delhi's 3 new protest sites come with cost, booking, distance woes" (in en). https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/delhi-news/costs-booking-distance-the-challenges-posed-by-three-alternative-protest-sites-in-delhi-101791829768595.html. 
  67. ↑ "Extreme panic and fear, say Opposition, CJP at de-notification of Jantar Mantar as protest site" (in en-IN). The Hindu. 2026-10-12. ISSN 0971-751X. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/unacceptable-cjp-on-jantar-mantar-being-denotified-as-protest-site/article71574354.ece. 
  68. ↑ "How inexperience, strategic missteps hobbled the CJP's anti-CEC protests". Deccan Herald. 20 October 2026. https://www.deccanherald.com/india/how-inexperience-strategic-missteps-hobbled-the-cjps-anti-cec-protests-4188857. 
  69. ↑ "CJP: India 'cockroach' leaders detained after entering barricaded protest site" (in en-GB). 2026-10-13. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cqz0v11n2vj5o. 
  70. ↑ "Police detain CJP's Saurav Das, Ashutosh Ranka and Ajinkya Shinde as they attempt to breach Jantar Mantar". The Times of India. 2026-10-13. ISSN 0971-8257. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/cjp-leaders-saurav-das-ashutosh-ranka-and-other-team-members-detained-by-delhi-police-again-claims-dipke/articleshow/134907662.cms. 
  71. ↑ "CJP's Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka sent to five-day judicial custody in trespassing case". The Hindu. 2026-10-14. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/cjp-anto-cec-protest-jantar-mantar-case-saurav-das-ashutosh-ranka-arrest-update/article71582061.ece. 
  72. ↑ Service, Statesman News (2026-10-14). "'Waving Tricolour is not a crime': Dipke announces 'Lehra Do Tiranga' protest at CP on Oct 16 over CJP leaders' arrest" (in en). https://www.thestatesman.com/india/waving-tricolour-is-not-a-crime-dipke-announces-lehra-do-tiranga-protest-at-cp-tomorrow-over-cjp-leaders-arrest-1503651045.html. 
  73. ↑ "Why CJP’s Abhijeet Dipke was made to sign another peace bond: What the law says" (in en). 2026-10-17. https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-law/abhijeet-dipke-peace-bond-bnss-explained-10925991/. 
  74. ↑ "CJP leaders Ashutosh Ranka and Saurav Das's release ordered by SEM court". The Hindu. 2026-10-21. https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/cjp-leaders-saurav-das-ashutosh-ranka-sem-judicial-custody-hearing/article71607599.ece. 
  75. ↑ "Anti-CEC protests | AISA president Neha Bora moves Delhi High Court against police notice" (in en). https://www.deccanherald.com/india/delhi/anti-cec-protests-aisa-president-neha-bora-moves-delhi-high-court-against-police-notice-4188353. 
  76. ↑ "Anti-CEC protests: AISA president Neha Bora moves Delhi High Court against police notice". Deccan Herald. 19 October 2026. https://www.deccanherald.com/india/delhi/anti-cec-protests-aisa-president-neha-bora-moves-delhi-high-court-against-police-notice-4188353. 
  77. ↑ "Anti-CEC protest highlights: Supreme Court agrees to hear plea challenging preventive detentions". The Hindu. 18 October 2026. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/cec-gyanesh-kumar-protests-oct-18-live-updates-cjp/article71598964.ece. 
  78. ↑ "'Lots of petitions, less proof': 42 ex-judges call out protests against CEC Gyanesh Kumar, defend SIR in open letter". The Week. 8 October 2026. https://www.theweek.in/news/india/2026/10/08/they-file-petitions-not-proof-42-ex-judges-lash-out-at-protests-against-cec-gyanesh-kumar-defend-sir-in-open-letter.amp.html. 
  79. ↑ "UN experts urge Indian authorities to cease 'use of excessive force' to curb protests". Reuters. 20 October 2026. https://www.reuters.com/world/india/un-experts-urge-indian-authorities-cease-use-excessive-force-curb-protests-2026-10-20/. 
  80. ↑ 80.0 80.1 Kumar, Rajesh (2026-09-28). "BJP steps up attack on SIR row" (in en). https://dailypioneer.com/page1/bjp-steps-up-attack-on-sir-row. 
  81. ↑ "‘Biggest red flag’: BJP targets Rahul Gandhi over CEC row, alleges track record of bribery". The Times of India. 2026-10-13. ISSN 0971-8257. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/biggest-red-flag-bjp-takes-aim-at-rahul-gandhi-over-cec-with-bribery-charge-and-10-questions/articleshow/134914582.cms. 
  82. ↑ "'Not change regime, but break country': BJP accuses Congress of colluding with foreign powers". The Times of India. 22 October 2026. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/not-change-regime-but-break-country-bjp-accuses-congress-of-colluding-with-foreign-powers/articleshow/135116263.cms. 
  83. ↑ ""Movement an attempt to destabilise country, everyone knows where CJP is getting its funding": Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar". 10 Oct 2026. pp. India Gazette. https://www.indiagazette.com/news/279364085/movement-an-attempt-to-destabilise-country-everyone-knows-where-cjp-is-getting-its-funding-union-minister-sukanta-majumdar. 
  84. ↑ PTI (2026-10-18). "Conspiracy similar to one behind violence in France, Bangladesh hatched by anti-India gangs to instigate youth: Rijiju" (in en-IN). The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/conspiracy-similar-to-one-behind-violence-in-france-bangladesh-hatched-by-anti-india-gangs-to-instigate-youth-rijiju/article71600401.ece. 
  85. ↑ "At Dipke-Neha Bora-Sibal press conference: ‘Regime change’, Gyanesh-Modi & ‘silent erasure’ in SIR". ThePrint. 15 October 2026. https://theprint.in/politics/at-dipke-neha-bora-sibal-press-conference-regime-change-gyanesh-modi-silent-erasure-in-sir/3072888/. 
  86. ↑ "‘India is not Bangladesh or France’: Shashi Tharoor rejects Kiren Rijiju’s ‘regime change’ charge amid SIR row". The Indian Express. 19 October 2026. https://indianexpress.com/article/india/cjp-protest-in-delhi-shashi-tharoor-kiren-rijiju-regime-change-bangladesh-france-special-intensive-revision-voter-deletions-10928205/. 
  87. ↑ Template:Cite press release
  88. ↑ "India slams UN over ‘selective targeting’ after experts flag crackdown on protests". Hindustan Times. 21 October 2026. https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/india-slams-un-over-selective-targeting-after-experts-flag-crackdown-on-protests-101792558375975-amp.html. 
  89. ↑ "India hits back at UN rights office over remarks on Delhi protests, calls concerns 'misplaced'". Hindustan Times. 10 October 2026. https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/india-calls-un-concerns-over-delhi-protest-misplaced-alleges-interference-in-internal-affairs-101791655451731.html. 
  90. ↑ India Today News Desk (14 October 2026). "Punched, kicked, took turns to assault: NSUI protester details torture by Delhi cops". India Today. https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/punched-kicked-took-turns-to-assault-nsui-protester-details-torture-delhi-police-detention-anti-cec-protests-rahul-gandhi-pc-video-3017068-2026-10-14. 
  91. ↑ "'Private parts kicked, phones taken away': Detained Delhi protestors allege assault in police vans". Scroll.in. 12 October 2026. https://scroll.in/article/1096348/private-parts-kicked-phones-taken-away-detained-delhi-protestors-allege-assault-in-police-vans. 
  92. ↑ PTI (17 October 2026). "Women's groups march to Delhi Police headquarters, demand action over alleged sexual assaults on anti-CEC protesters". The Hindu. https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/womens-groups-march-to-delhi-police-headquarters-sexual-assaults-on-anti-cec-protesters/article71595744.ece. 

Template:Authority control

Template:Subject bar

Retrieved from "https://ideawaza.com/index.php?title=Archive:2026_anti-CEC_protests&oldid=99514"