Security arrangements have been significantly tightened across central parts of the national capital following calls for various demonstrations. Authorities noted mobilisation efforts by Cockroach Janata Party concerning the Election Commission, alongside ongoing student demonstrations across several Delhi University colleges regarding female safety. With multiple appeals circulating across social media platforms urging the public to assemble at Jantar Mantar under different banners, law enforcement agencies moved swiftly to prevent unsanctioned congregations and secure the high-security zone.
Measures to Safeguard Civic Life and Commuter Movement
Police authorities emphasised that the jurisdiction falling under the Parliament Street sub-division experiences continuous high-volume vehicular traffic and dense pedestrian activity. Unregulated rallies, public speeches, and protest marches pose acute risks of disrupting road transport, endangering civilian safety, and disturbing civic harmony. To prevent potential breach of peace, preventive curbs under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS) have been put into operation across the entire sub-division.
Comprehensive List of Prohibited Activities
The regulatory directives outline explicit restrictions designed to maintain order in the specified zone. The prohibitions mandate the following
- Assembly of five or more individuals in public spaces without prior permission is entirely forbidden.
- Delivering unsanctioned public speeches, raising slogans, taking out processions, organising sit-ins, and staging demonstrations are barred.
- Carrying sticks, spears, swords, bricks, stones, blunt weapons, banners, or placards into the area is prohibited.
- Holding dharnas or occupying any public venue marked within the scheduled operational blueprint without formal written consent is strictly disallowed.
Magisterial Delegation and Statutory Authority
The authority behind these directives originates from powers conferred by clause (b) of sub-section (1) of Section 70 of the Delhi Police Act, 1978 (34 of 1978). Under this provision, the Central Government empowered the police to discharge the functions and duties of an Executive Magistrate under Section 163 of the BNSS, 2023. These responsibilities are carried out under the general superintendence of the Commissioner of Police, Delhi, pursuant to Ministry of Home Affairs notification number U-11036/1/2010-UTL, dated September 9, 2010. These powers currently reside with Ajay Sharma, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Parliament Street Sub-Division, New Delhi District.
Conditions for Sanctioned Gatherings, Operational Deadlines, and Penalties
While the entire geographic expanse of the Parliament Street sub-division falls under the prohibitory perimeter, an exception applies exclusively to the designated exempted strip on Jantar Mantar Road highlighted in the official site layout. However, even when formal written clearance is secured for an assembly within that specified zone, the gathering cannot be extended beyond 05:00 PM under any circumstances.
The restriction order became operational on August 23, 2026, and will remain in force for a span of 60 days up to October 21, 2026 (both days inclusive), unless officially withdrawn earlier. Given the impossibility of serving individual notifications across the entire public, the order was executed ex-parte, with publication handled via press releases and public notices posted at district offices. Anyone violating these directives faces prosecution and penalties under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.
