The proposed Jantar Mantar protest in Delhi faced restrictions on Saturday after police detained some people who had begun gathering, while Gurgaon Police reportedly detained YouTuber Dhruv Rathee before he could travel to the demonstration.
The protest, described as “Jantar Mantar 2.0” by its organisers, has been called over alleged irregularities in electoral rolls. Protesters are demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. CJP spokesperson Saurav Das responded to reports of the detentions by writing on X: “Not few. A storm is coming.”
According to the report, Rathee was detained by Gurgaon Police after he allegedly refused advice not to attend the demonstration. A Gurgaon police officer said personnel had tried to persuade him not to join the protest because prohibitory orders were in force under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita in Delhi and the gathering did not have permission.
The officer also said Rathee had continued to post on social media that he would attend the protest. Gurgaon Police had placed several Congress workers and members of other political parties under house arrest, according to the report.
The restrictions place the proposed gathering within the wider administrative framework governing public assembly in central Delhi. Jantar Mantar is an established protest location, but demonstrations there remain subject to permission requirements and orders issued by the authorities. In this case, the police cited the absence of permission and Section 163 restrictions as the basis for preventive action.
Das had earlier urged people to gather at Jantar Mantar, describing the protest as a campaign to protect democracy and secure the future of Gen-Z. He said the movement would continue until a corruption-free system was ensured. The report does not provide details of the number of people detained in Delhi or the duration of the restrictions.
Das also alleged that Delhi Police had exposed his phone number while circulating documents connected to the party’s earlier protest and a letter denying permission for the proposed demonstration. He said he received more than 300 calls and numerous WhatsApp messages within an hour. He further alleged that the number leak could be part of a coordinated campaign and criticised media organisations for publishing the documents without redacting his contact details.
The immediate dispute therefore involves both access to a designated protest site and the handling of personal information in official and media documents. Further developments will depend on whether the proposed gathering receives permission and how Delhi and Gurgaon authorities implement the restrictions around the protest.
