Ahead Of CJP Protest, 24-Hour Internet Suspension Around Jantar Mantar

On October 9, the Delhi High Court announced that all cases at the Patiala House and Rouse Avenue court complexes would be heard virtually on Saturday, October 10. This decision was made in anticipation of a protest at Jantar Mantar, organized by the Cockroach Janata Party and other groups, demanding Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar's resignation due to alleged irregularities in electoral roll revisions.

According to a notification from High Court Registrar General Reetesh Singh, both civil and criminal cases in the two court complexes will be conducted exclusively through virtual proceedings. Judicial officers stationed at the complexes who are unable to attend physically are allowed to hold hearings virtually. Furthermore, all undertrial prisoners in Delhi's district courts must be produced through virtual means.

In addition, the High Court ruled that judicial officers should not issue adverse orders due to the non-appearance of litigants, advocates, witnesses, or accused persons in cases across Delhi's district courts. This direction applies broadly, even though the virtual hearings restriction is limited to the two court complexes. The directive aims to facilitate the demonstration at Jantar Mantar, where protesters are expected to call for the Chief Election Commissioner's resignation.