DMRC closes 11 stations ‘until further notice’ amid Jantar Manatar protest | List of Delhi Metro Stations Closed Today | Today’s news
Amid protests by AAP and student unions, the Delhi Metro on Friday closed entry and exit at 11 stations, including Rajiv Chowk, Central Secretariat and Jantar Mantar.
Metro stations which will remain closed today are Janpath, Patel Chowk, Central Secretariat, Rajiv Chowk, Seva Teerth, Mandi House, Lok Kalyan Marg, INA, Chawri Bazar, Ramakrishna Ashram Marg and New Delhi stations.
DMRC said in post X that the stations will remain closed until further notice.
However, the interchange facility will remain available at Rajiv Chowk, Mandi House, New Delhi and Central Secretariat stations.
Police are beefing up security
Meanwhile, the Delhi Police has imposed a ban under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, against the proposed demonstration. The police refused a permit to protest. Here’s what the orders say:
- Assemblies of five or more persons, processions, demonstrations, demonstrations, dharnas, shouting slogans and speeches are prohibited without prior written permission.
- Prohibits the carrying of firearms, flags, banners, batons, swords, sticks, bricks or similar objects.
- Citizens and visitors have been advised to exercise strict discipline and refrain from any unauthorized gathering.
DCP New Delhi Sachin Sharma told Reuters on Friday: “Section 163 of the BNSS applies in Delhi and protests, demonstrations, marches and similar activities are not allowed. Precautionary measures have been taken and everyone is requested to abide by the law and cooperate with the police.”
“As Section 163 is in force, people are advised not to come to the area for protests or demonstrations. Necessary circulars, notices and information messages are being issued regarding roads and metro services,” he said.
Protests demanding resignation of Gyanesh Kumar
The Aam Aadmi Party, All India Students’ Association (AISA), National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) and Indian Youth Congress (IYC) announced protests at Jantar Mantar, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and alleged mass voter suppression.
In a post shared on X, Supreme Court lawyer Prashant Bhushan, who is one of those who supported the protests, said the protest was against the “hijacking” of democracy by Gyanesh Kumar and his “handlers”, stressing that the demonstration was non-partisan.
“Today’s protest at Jantar Mantar and elsewhere in the country is a citizen’s protest against the hijacking of our democracy by Gyanesh Kumar and his handlers. Though many organizations and parties have supported the call, it is not a partisan protest,” Bhushan said.
He urged the participants to participate in the protest as individuals and without putting up posters or symbols of any political party or organization.
