Delhi Police file FIRs over INDIA bloc march breaches

Delhi Police have lodged four First Information Reports over alleged breaches of prohibitory orders during the INDIA opposition bloc’s march toward the Supreme Court against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

A police official, speaking anonymously, stated that the cases were filed for violating restrictions imposed under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) in areas surrounding Connaught Place and the Supreme Court. The Tilak Marg police station registered two FIRs, while the Mandir Marg and Barakhamba Road stations filed one each.

The legal action came in the wake of a massive political mobilisation in central Delhi that brought thousands of protesters, activists and opposition supporters to the streets following two days of police action.

Ahead of the march, prominent opposition figures convened at the Constitution Club to finalise a court petition. Those present included Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, former West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee, Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Tejashwi Yadav and Communist Party of India (Marxist) general secretary M.A. Baby.

The petition named the Election Commission of India, Kumar and two other election commissioners as respondents. Court authorities identified 14 defects in the documentation, such as a ₹220 shortfall in court fees, an unreadable photocopy of Kharge’s identity card and missing vakalatnamas for nine of the 11 petitioners. The legal team asked for the case to be listed on Thursday.

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi subsequently led the march from the Constitution Club toward the Supreme Court. While walking, he demanded an independent, time-bound investigation into decisions allegedly made unilaterally by Kumar, alongside the suspension of the ongoing Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls until the inquiry concludes.

Although the march was slated to begin at 1.30 pm, it got underway at approximately 4 pm. Thousands of supporters had earlier gathered at the Barakhamba Road and Connaught Place intersection to wave flags and raise slogans, prompting police to cordon off the area, erect barricades and divert traffic as the crowd expanded.

Later, Gandhi took to X to thank participants and supporters who backed the demonstration remotely at 3 pm, writing that the event proved the public will not be intimidated by the government.