Brief
Over 200 detained as Delhi police crackdown continues despite Supreme Court order
Police detained over 200 demonstrators, journalists and activists in Connaught Place after a Supreme Court order barred illegal arrests.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Delhi police arrested more than 200 protesters on Sunday, Oct 11, despite a Supreme Court interim order that barred illegal detentions, the Deccan Chronicle reported.
What happened
Following a two‑day protest demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, police shifted their focus from Jantar Mantar to Connaught Place. Demonstrators gathered in the area, erected barricades and chanted slogans such as “Gyanesh Kumar isteefa.” Security personnel intervened, rounding up protesters and placing them in buses. The police filed 20 FIRs, charging several of those detained with assault on officers. Among those arrested were CPI(M) MP John Brittas, AISA activist Neha Bora, students, journalists and members of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP). Brittas was taken to hospital after allegedly being roughed up. The crackdown left numerous injuries, though exact numbers were not provided.
What the reports add
The article notes that the Supreme Court’s order, issued earlier on Sunday, directed that peaceful protesters not be illegally detained and that metro services continue normally. Despite this, the police proceeded with mass arrests. It also records that the CJP leaders Abhijeet Dipke, Ashutosh Ranka and Saurav Das were released after appearing before an executive magistrate, on the condition that they observe a one‑year no‑breach‑of‑peace pledge.
What was said
Students Federation of India leader Aishe Ghosh told reporters, “We are on the streets, we will stay on the streets. We will abide by the Constitution,” as reported by Deccan Chronicle. CJP leader Saurav Das blamed Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and CEC Gyanesh Kumar for the breach of peace. Ashutosh Ranka compared recent events to the 1975 Emergency, saying, “Even in 1975, trains were not shut.”
How it came about
The protest stemmed from accusations that the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls threatened voting rights. Earlier, on Oct 10, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke and senior members were detained at Delhi airport, prompting Ajinkya Shinde to call for a march to Jantar Mantar. The Supreme Court’s interim order on Oct 11 aimed to curb illegal detentions, but police actions on the same day suggest a divergence between judicial directives and law‑enforcement practice.
Key facts
- More than 200 protesters were arrested in Delhi on Oct 11 despite a Supreme Court order. (deccanchronicle.com)
- Police filed 20 FIRs charging some detainees with assault on officers. (deccanchronicle.com)
- CJP leaders Abhijeet Dipke, Ashutosh Ranka and Saurav Das were released on a one‑year no‑breach‑of‑peace pledge. (deccanchronicle.com)
- CPI(M) MP John Brittas was taken to hospital after alleged police rough handling. (deccanchronicle.com)
- The Supreme Court order also directed normal metro operation and free movement for lawyers. (deccanchronicle.com)
Timeline
- 2026-10-10 — CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke and senior members detained at Delhi airport.
- 2026-10-11 — Supreme Court issues interim order against illegal detentions.
- 2026-10-11 — Over 200 protesters arrested in Connaught Place.
Sources
- [1] deccanchronicle.com — originally reported as “Jantar Mantar 2. 0: 200 Protesters Arrested Despite SC Order Against Illegal Detentions”
