Yogendra Yadav, Prashant Bhushan, Neha Bora among over 60 protesters detained near Jantar Mantar

Sixty individuals, comprising activists, intellectuals, and legal professionals, were arrested near Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on Friday while protesting against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) and demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Notable figures among the detained protesters include AISA leader Neha Bora, political analyst Yogendra Yadav, and social activist Anjali Bhardwaj, alongside Advocate Prashant Bhushan and CPI(M) leader Dipankar Bhattacharya.

The protesters reportedly did not seek prior permission for their assembly at Jantar Mantar, leading to the imposition of Section 163 in the New Delhi district, which prohibits gatherings of five or more people.

The call for the protest originated from the All India Students’ Association (AISA). Police had erected barricades around Jantar Mantar, preventing protestors from entering the area. As the demonstrators started congregating near Parliament Street, the police barred their entry. During their detention, Neha Bora voiced her discontent, stating, "This give-and-take cannot happen between the Election Commissioner and the BJP government.

The Election Commissioner helps the BJP government win elections, and after winning the election, Delhi Police, on the direction of the BJP, will protect the Election Commissioner. This is not going to happen."

Yogendra Yadav added, "The nexus between Gyanesh Kumar and the BJP has become apparent. They may be able to stop the impeachment in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, but now the people will bring the impeachment to the streets." The detained protesters were subsequently transported in buses to various police stations in north and northwest Delhi before being released.