Delhi Metro shuts 12 stations amid Jantar Mantar protest over SIR, CEC

The Delhi Metro on Friday shut entry and exit at 12 stations, including Rajiv Chowk, Central Secretariat and Jantar Mantar, following protest calls by the Aam Aadmi Party and student organisations.

The protests are being held over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, with demonstrators demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and alleging irregularities in the revision exercise.

According to the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), entry and exit at Janpath, Patel Chowk, Central Secretariat, Rajiv Chowk, Barakhamba, Seva Teerth, Mandi House, Lok Kalyan Marg, INA, Chawri Bazar, Ramakrishna Ashram Marg and New Delhi stations will remain closed until further notice.


Interchange facilities, however, will continue to be available at Rajiv Chowk, Mandi House, New Delhi and Central Secretariat stations, the DMRC said in a post on X.

The AAP, All India Students' Association (AISA), National Students' Union of India (NSUI) and Indian Youth Congress (IYC) have called for protests at Jantar Mantar over the SIR exercise.

Delhi Police has denied permission for the proposed demonstration.

Security has been stepped up at Jantar Mantar and other sensitive locations across New Delhi, with additional Delhi Police and Central Armed Police Forces personnel deployed in the area. Barricades have also been installed to regulate movement and prevent unauthorised gatherings.

In a video message, AAP Delhi president Saurabh Bharadwaj questioned the need for permission to hold a demonstration in a democracy, pointing out that Jantar Mantar is a designated site for protests.



(With PTI inputs)