The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has called a protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on Saturday, 10 October 2026, to demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Delhi Police refused permission on 9 October, prohibitory orders are in force across New Delhi district, and the Centre has moved in central forces and closed metro stations and trains. On the eve of the protest the Supreme Court ordered that there be "no complete prohibition" on metro and train movement, and the metro cut its list of closed stations from 57 to 45.
Key takeaways
- The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) called a protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on 10 October 2026 to demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, along with a freeze on the Special Intensive Revision of voter rolls.
- Delhi Police refused permission for the CJP's 10 October 2026 Jantar Mantar protest on 9 October, with Joint Commissioner Nupur Prasad saying the application came three days ahead against a 10-day rule and that the group had broken its undertakings at an earlier protest.
- CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke said on 9 October 2026 that the Jantar Mantar protest would go ahead despite the refusal, saying Article 19 gives the fundamental right to protest and that activists were ready to be detained.
- The Union Home Ministry approved 221 CAPF companies for 8 to 12 October 2026, and more than 23,000 police and paramilitary personnel were expected to be deployed in Delhi for the CJP protest.
- On 9 October 2026 the Supreme Court ordered "no complete prohibition" on Delhi Metro and train movement, after which DMRC cut its list of stations closed for entry and exit from 57 to 45.
- The Supreme Court did not overturn the refusal of permission or the Section 163 BNSS prohibitory orders for the 10 October 2026 protest, and said the right to peaceful protest must operate within the framework of the law.
- Police sources say about 25 FIRs had been registered in Delhi by 8 October 2026 over the anti-CEC protests since 2 October, including three naming Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi for assaulting and obstructing police.
Who called the protest and why
The protest was called by the Cockroach Janta Party, an online youth movement founded by Abhijeet Dipke in May 2026. Its July campaign over the NEET paper leak ended with the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Al Jazeera
The trigger for this round was an Indian Express report that Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi had raised concerns with the CEC at least 14 times in 10 months, mostly about the voter-list revision. Al Jazeera
On 24 September the CJP gave Kumar 48 hours to resign. Dipke then announced that protests would begin in Mumbai on 2 October, Gandhi Jayanti. Al Jazeera Claim · Abhijeet Dipke He called the CEC "the country's biggest traitor" and claimed more than 13 crore deletions. Business Today said it could not verify some of his figures. Business Today
After the 2 October rally at Mumbai's Shivaji Park, Dipke announced the Delhi protest on X. He added: "If Delhi Police tries to stop us, wherever they stop us will become our Jantar Mantar." Outlook
The CJP's demands
The party calls these demands "non-negotiable". Outlook
- Gyanesh Kumar's resignation and criminal proceedings against him.
- A freeze on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and restoration of the January 2025 voters' list.
- An independent inquiry, and suspension of upcoming elections.
- Repeal of the 2023 law on appointing Election Commissioners, replaced by an independent selection process.
Claim · ECI The Commission denies wrongdoing. It says the revision removes duplicate, dead or ineligible entries and that major decisions were taken unanimously. On 2 October it told officials to register eligible voters who had been left off the rolls by mistake. Al Jazeera IBTimes
Who else is joining
On 6 October five Left student groups, SFI, AISF, AISA, PSU and AISB, said in a joint statement that they would join "in large numbers". They alleged that protesters were being "manhandled, lathi-charged, dragged, assaulted and groped by Delhi Police." DT Next
On 7 October CJP spokesperson Saurav Das spoke at a joint press conference at the Press Club of India with AISA, AISF, SFI and the AAP-linked student group ASAP. He told supporters: "This fight is not going to be easy. I appeal to everyone across the country to join us, book train and flight tickets." Outlook Deccan Herald
Permission: what was asked and why it was refused
Das gave a letter to Parliament Street police station on 7 October. He said it was an intimation, not a request: "Please don't use the word permission. Who is Delhi Police to give us permission?" He said police had taken an undertaking from the group. Outlook
Documented On the morning of 9 October Joint Commissioner of Police Nupur Prasad announced that permission was refused: "this time the permission is rejected; it is not approved." ANI India TV
Police's position She gave four reasons. ANI Business Standard
- Short notice. The application reached New Delhi district on 7 October, three days before the event. The guideline requires that "the intimation has to be received 10 days prior to the protest."
- Past conduct. At an earlier protest the CJP was allowed to hold, "they did not follow the lawful directions and did not follow their own undertakings."
- Law and order. The prevailing situation in the capital.
- Public safety and traffic. Maintaining public safety and traffic movement in New Delhi district.
The rules on protests in Delhi
According to Delhi Police guidelines reported by Business Standard, protests at Jantar Mantar need prior permission from the DCP, New Delhi district, at least 10 days in advance. Gatherings there are reportedly capped at 1,000 people, and permission can be refused on public-order, security or traffic grounds. Business Standard
Article 19 protects speech and peaceful assembly, subject to reasonable restrictions. In Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan v Union of India (2018) the Supreme Court held that authorities may regulate the time, place and manner of protests at Jantar Mantar. Business Standard
The CJP's response
Claim · Abhijeet Dipke Speaking in Mumbai on 9 October, Dipke said the protest would go ahead and activists were ready to be detained: "Arrest me, detain me!" He said: "Jantar Mantar is a designated protest site; Article 19 gives the fundamental right to protest." He also asked: "You shut down trains, you shut down the metro, what should one do?" ANI The Statesman
The security plan: forces, metro, trains and roads
Central forces
Documented The Union Home Ministry approved 221 CAPF companies for 8 to 12 October, on top of 110 companies already with Delhi Police. More than 23,000 personnel are expected to be deployed, with layered barricades, CCTV watched from control rooms and facial-recognition cameras. Uttar Pradesh and Haryana have been asked to stay alert. TNM
A note of caution: the same report gives a company breakdown (85 CRPF, 10 SSB, 7 ITBP, 7 RAF, 1 CISF) that adds up to 110, not 221, and does not explain the gap. TNM Separately, PTI reported on 7 October that at least 20 CAPF companies had been requisitioned since 1 October and nearly 4,000 personnel were deployed across New Delhi. ThePrint/PTI
Tracking, colleges and detention plans
Police's position Officials told PTI on 7 October that police were acting on these steps: ThePrint/PTI
- SHOs were told to watch about 2,800 people flagged by facial recognition at the July protest as having alleged criminal records. This has not been independently verified.
- Colleges and PG owners were asked to discourage students from joining.
- Barricades were planned at entry points, especially the UP border.
- Temporary detention facilities at stadiums were discussed in case large numbers courted arrest.
Claim · Dipke On 6 October he said Chandrapur police in Maharashtra had served CJP workers notices telling them not to attend and asking how their travel was being paid for. The report carried no police response. Deccan Chronicle/PTI Claim · Saurav Das, Ashutosh Ranka On 4 October both said on X that CJP leaders would be arrested before 10 October, Ranka saying "under NSA/other equivalent provisions". No evidence was offered and no such arrests had been reported by 9 October evening. Outlook
Metro stations
Documented In a letter dated 8 October, Joint CP (Transport) Rajneesh Gupta asked DMRC to shut entry and exit and cut frequency at 57 stations from 9 pm on 9 October "until further notice", citing possible crowd movement toward sensitive locations. TNM ANI
Documented After the Supreme Court hearing, DMRC issued a "partial modification" late on 9 October. Entry and exit are closed at 45 stations from 9 pm on 9 October to 6 pm on 10 October, and interchange stays open at all of them except New Delhi. Business Today News24
They include Rajiv Chowk, Central Secretariat, Janpath, Patel Chowk, Mandi House, New Delhi, ITO, Khan Market, Hauz Khas, Lajpat Nagar, Jamia Millia Islamia, Kashmere Gate, Karol Bagh, Shahdara and Rithala. Business Today
Trains
Documented Northern Railway cancelled, at source, 38 of the 165 Mail and Express trains due at New Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin between 4 am and 2 pm on 10 October, and two more will terminate short. Other Delhi stations, including Anand Vihar, Sarai Rohilla, Old Delhi and Delhi Cantonment, run normally. ThePrint/PTI
Railways' position Chief PRO Himanshu Shekhar Upadhyay said the reason was "anticipated severe road traffic congestion in the areas around these stations". Cancelled trains include the Magadh Express and Sampoorna Kranti Express. ThePrint/PTI
Roads and internet
Documented Delhi Traffic Police said diversions may be enforced at 30 points from 6 am on 10 October, around Connaught Place, Mandi House, Jantar Mantar and Patel Chowk, and asked people to avoid non-essential travel. The Statesman
The Statesman also reported a 24-hour mobile internet block within a 4 km radius of the Janpath and Kartavya Path crossing, citing DCP (Special Cell) Manishi Chandra. In the Supreme Court, the Solicitor General said internet curbs cover only "certain sensitive pockets" and will be reviewed. The Statesman LiveLaw
The Supreme Court hearing on 9 October
On 9 October senior advocate Kapil Sibal mentioned a petition by CPI(M) general secretary M.A. Baby and others, and the court heard it after lunch. The bench was CJI Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana. The CJP itself was not a party. The Tribune ETV Bharat
What the petitioners argued
- Sibal: "All trains are cancelled. Metro stations are closed. You cannot move anywhere."
- Gopal Sankaranarayanan: "A peaceful protest is not unlawful."
- Abhishek Manu Singhvi listed what he called unprecedented steps: "221 CAPF companies...10 detention centres being prepared", OYO hotels told to stop fresh bookings, action against YouTubers and media told to carry IDs.
- Vrinda Grover said young women had been taken off trains by police who claimed they were heading to the protest.
These are submissions by counsel, not findings of the court. The Tribune ETV Bharat
What the government argued
Government's position Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said the impression that the whole city was shut was "far from the truth". He said the measures were proportionate given the violence after the 20 July march, and that complete stoppage could be proportionate in some circumstances. He said many women police officers had been harassed and molested by protesters that week, asked the bench to view videos, and argued the protest was unlawful as no permission had been given. LiveLaw ETV Bharat
What the bench said
There is a principle of proportionality… It does not mean you use a hammer to kill a fly.
Supreme Court bench, 9 Oct 2026, as reported by ETV Bharat
The CJI was concerned about commuters from Gurugram and Greater Noida, and said police may restrict unruly movement but cannot halt everything. Justice Bagchi said cutting frequency can be regulation, but complete closure would be extreme, and that the order "appears to impose a blanket ban on certain common facilities relating to transport." LiveLaw The Tribune
The bench also questioned holding a demonstration without permission and said "the right to peaceful protest must operate within the framework of the law." Business Today
The order
We make it clear that there shall be no complete prohibition on movement of Metro. A considered decision may be taken to allow (Delhi) Metro and other trains in an aptly regulated manner so that no inconvenience is caused to public at large and such decision shall be given wide publicity.
Supreme Court order, 9 Oct 2026, as reported by The Tribune
- Advisories must be published in newspapers and on news websites. Business Today
- The parties agreed that "some other place with amenities for peaceful protestors need to be identified and designated." The competent authority will consider this. The Tribune
- The SG called the venue idea a "well-put suggestion" and said a decision would come soon. ETV Bharat
The court did not set aside the refusal of permission or the prohibitory orders. The only issue before it was inconvenience to ordinary citizens from the police orders, the metro closures and the train cancellations. The Tribune
What charges people can face for gathering
Documented Section 163 of the BNSS is in force in New Delhi district for 10 October, citing public safety, law and order and traffic. The Tribune Similar orders on 2 October barred gatherings of five or more, processions, dharnas, slogans and speeches without written permission, and the carrying of banners, placards, lathis or sticks. Deccan Chronicle/PTI
Police's position DCP Shrishti Pandey said protests are not allowed at Jantar Mantar or anywhere else while the restrictions remain, and any gathering would be illegal. Joint CP Prasad said violators face "proper legal action", without naming sections. ANI ANI
The sections used in the past week give the best guide to what may follow:
- BNS 223 (disobeying an order promulgated by a public servant): up to six months, a fine of up to ₹2,500, or both. If it endangers life, health or safety, or causes a riot or affray: up to one year, a fine of up to ₹5,000, or both. This was the section in the three FIRs over the 2 October protest. Deccan Chronicle/PTI
- BNS 189 (unlawful assembly of five or more): up to six months. Staying after a lawful order to disperse, or joining while armed with a deadly weapon, carries up to two years. Bare text
- Assaulting or obstructing public servants. The FIRs against Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi were under the BNS provisions on assaulting public servants and obstructing them in their duties, which carry heavier terms. ThePrint
Police sources say about 25 FIRs had been registered by 8 October over the protests since 2 October, for alleged vandalism, assault, scuffles with police and obstruction. ANI In Mumbai, police booked Dipke, Das, Ranka and more than 400 unnamed supporters over the 2 October Shivaji Park rally for unlawful assembly, blocking traffic and using loudspeakers without permission. IBTimes
The media advisory
Documented On 5 October Delhi Police issued guidelines for journalists covering protests: "The story matters, so does how you get it!" UNI The points were: Organiser
- Carry and visibly display ID: an employer's card or PIB or DIP accreditation.
- Keep a "reasonable and safe distance" in tense situations.
- Stand where you are clearly distinguishable from protesters.
- Do not obstruct police operations or movement.
It came after three women journalists alleged sexual harassment by police near Jantar Mantar on 3 October. Police sent the complaints to the Crime Branch for a "fair and impartial enquiry". Organiser Claim · Delhi Police Claims that women protesters were assaulted are "baseless and misleading", and "Female protesters are handled by female staff". Organiser
The earlier anti-CEC protests: 2, 6 and 7 October
Each of these protests was held under Section 163 without permission and ended in detentions.
Jantar Mantar and Shivaji Park
Police surrounded the barricaded site and put demonstrators into buses. At least 11 metro stations were closed. By about 3 pm reports said more than 500 had been arrested in Delhi, including Atishi. Al Jazeera PTI later put detentions at nearly 1,000, including Sanjay Singh, Saurabh Bharadwaj, Yogendra Yadav and Neha Bora. Three FIRs under BNS 223 named no one. Deccan Chronicle/PTI The CJP rallied at Mumbai's Shivaji Park despite being refused permission. Outlook
Second day at Jantar Mantar
About 200 more were detained, and three women journalists alleged sexual harassment by police. Deccan Chronicle
Thackerays march in Mumbai
Uddhav and Raj Thackeray led a march against the CEC that thousands joined. Al Jazeera
INDIA bloc MPs march on the ECI
Opposition MPs marched about 1 km from Parliament toward Nirvachan Sadan. Rahul Gandhi and others were briefly detained after trying to breach barricades. Leaders then entered Akashvani Bhawan without permission, which led to an FIR. Al Jazeera ANI
MPs stopped on the way to Jantar Mantar
Police stopped the MPs' buses near the Shangri-La hotel. Rahul Gandhi was carried to a police bus, and Priyanka Gandhi and other women MPs were carried away while lying on the road holding the Constitution. The Week Three FIRs name both Gandhis for assaulting and obstructing police. Mahua Moitra said the scuffle left her bloodied. ThePrint
Both accounts
Protesters' and opposition's account
The CJP says Jantar Mantar is a designated protest site and that Article 19 protects peaceful protest, so an intimation is enough. Dipke says the protest will be peaceful and follow "the path shown by Mahatma Gandhi". Opposition counsel told the Supreme Court the transport shutdown was disproportionate. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge called the Election Commission "a puppet in the hands of the government". Outlook Al Jazeera
Police and government account
Police say the CJP applied three days before the event against a 10-day rule, broke its undertakings at an earlier permitted protest, and that public safety and traffic require restrictions. The Solicitor General cited the violence after the 20 July march and alleged that women police officers were molested by protesters that week. BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra accused Congress of trying "to establish anarchy". The ECI says its decisions were unanimous and lawful. ANI LiveLaw Al Jazeera
Where things stand on the night of 9 October
- Permission: Refused. Section 163 orders are in force across New Delhi district.
- Organisers: The CJP says the protest will go ahead. No arrests of its leaders had been reported.
- Metro: 45 stations closed for entry and exit from 9 pm on 9 Oct to 6 pm on 10 Oct; interchange open except at New Delhi.
- Trains: 38 trains to New Delhi and Nizamuddin cancelled; other Delhi stations normal.
- Venue: The Centre will consider designating a protest site other than Jantar Mantar. No decision announced yet.
- Cases so far: About 25 FIRs in Delhi since 2 Oct, including three naming Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi.
What to watch on 10 October
- Whether the Centre or police issue a further transport advisory in line with the Supreme Court order, and whether it is published as directed.
- Whether the CJP's leaders reach Jantar Mantar or are stopped, and whether crowds gather where they are stopped, as Dipke has said they will.
- Detention numbers, the places used to hold detainees, and the sections used in any FIRs.
- Any use of force or injuries on either side, as reported by named sources.
- Any decision on an alternative protest venue.
This page and the live timeline will be updated with sourced reports only.
Questions people ask
Is the 10 October Jantar Mantar protest allowed?
No. Delhi Police refused permission on 9 October, citing short notice, the CJP's conduct at an earlier protest, law and order, and public safety and traffic. Section 163 BNSS orders are in force in New Delhi district, and police say any gathering will be illegal.
Which Delhi metro stations are closed on 10 October?
DMRC closed entry and exit at 45 stations from 9 pm on 9 October to 6 pm on 10 October. They include Rajiv Chowk, Central Secretariat, Janpath, Patel Chowk and New Delhi.
Are trains to Delhi cancelled?
Northern Railway cancelled 38 of the 165 trains due at New Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin between 4 am and 2 pm on 10 October. Other Delhi stations are running normally.
What did the Supreme Court say about the protest?
On 9 October it ordered that there be "no complete prohibition" on metro and train movement, and that services be regulated and advisories widely published. It did not overturn the refusal of permission.
What can I be charged with for joining?
Past FIRs used BNS 223, disobeying a public servant's order, which carries up to six months or a ₹2,500 fine, rising to one year or ₹5,000 if it endangers safety or causes a riot. Unlawful assembly under BNS 189 carries up to six months, or two years for refusing to disperse.
Sources
- Al Jazeera: India's Cockroach movement demands election chief's resignation, 25 Sep 2026
- Business Today: Gyanesh Kumar must resign immediately, says CJP's Abhijeet Dipke, 24 Sep 2026
- Al Jazeera: Indian authorities clamp down as Cockroach movement launches new protests, 2 Oct 2026
- Deccan Chronicle/PTI: Delhi Police registers 3 FIRs over anti-CEC protests, none named, 3 Oct 2026
- Deccan Chronicle: AISA, other protesters return to Jantar Mantar, nearly 200 detained, 3 Oct 2026
- Outlook: CJP announces October 10 Jantar Mantar protest if Gyanesh Kumar does not resign, 3 Oct 2026
- Al Jazeera: Mass protests demanding poll chief's resignation shake India for third day, 4 Oct 2026
- Outlook: CJP's Saurav Das claims leaders may be arrested, 5 Oct 2026
- IBTimes: Delhi Police skip name tags at Jantar Mantar, 5 Oct 2026
- UNI: Delhi Police guidelines for journalists, 6 Oct 2026
- Organiser: Delhi Police issues protest coverage advisory, 6 Oct 2026
- DT Next: Left student organisations to join October 10 protest, 6 Oct 2026
- Deccan Chronicle/PTI: CJP founder Dipke alleges police pressure on activists, 6 Oct 2026
- Al Jazeera: India opposition leaders briefly arrested in protest against election chief, 6 Oct 2026
- Outlook: 'This fight not going to be easy': CJP calls for October 10 protest, 7 Oct 2026
- Deccan Herald: CJP, Left student groups call for Jantar Mantar protest 2.0, 7 Oct 2026
- ThePrint/PTI: Delhi Police tracking past CJP protesters, logistics suppliers, 7 Oct 2026
- The Week: Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi detained for third time in 2 days, 7 Oct 2026
- ThePrint: 3 FIRs against Rahul, Priyanka over assaulting, obstructing police officers, 8 Oct 2026
- The News Minute: October 10 CJP protest in Delhi: trains cancelled, 57 metro stations to be shut, 9 Oct 2026
- ANI: Delhi Police register around 25 FIRs over protests since October 2, 9 Oct 2026
- ANI: Delhi Police denies CJP permission for October 10 Jantar Mantar protest, 9 Oct 2026
- India TV: Delhi Police denies permission to CJP, cites short notice, 9 Oct 2026
- ANI: "We will agitate": Dipke says Jantar Mantar protest will go ahead, 9 Oct 2026
- The Statesman: 'Is Delhi their ancestral property?', 9 Oct 2026
- Business Standard: What are the rules for holding demonstrations in Delhi?, 9 Oct 2026
- LiveLaw: Don't completely stop trains/metro in Delhi, Supreme Court to Centre, 9 Oct 2026
- The Tribune: SC says no to total shutdown of Delhi Metro and railway services, 9 Oct 2026
- ETV Bharat: Don't use a hammer to kill a fly, 9 Oct 2026
- Business Today: SC asks Centre not to completely stop metro, train services, 9 Oct 2026
- ThePrint/PTI: 38 New Delhi, Nizamuddin-bound trains cancelled on Oct 10, 9 Oct 2026
- The Statesman: Traffic diversions at 30 key points on October 10, 9 Oct 2026
- Business Today: DMRC issues revised metro closure update, 9 Oct 2026
- News24: Delhi Metro revises curbs after Supreme Court rap, 45 stations affected, 9 Oct 2026
- Vidhi Judicial: Section 189 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (bare text)