Updated: October 5, 2026
A protest has continued around Jantar Mantar in New Delhi over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and demands for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
The demonstrations have involved student organisations, civil society groups and political parties. The situation became tense over the weekend, with police detentions, barricades and clashes reported in central Delhi.
According to the latest reports, more than 120 people were briefly detained during Sunday’s demonstrations, while around 5,000 security personnel were deployed in the area. Police said permissions had not been granted for the demonstrations.
What is the Jantar Mantar protest about?
The main issue behind the protest is the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
Protesters are raising concerns about the way voter lists are being revised and are demanding greater transparency in the electoral process. Several groups have also demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
These are political and civil-society allegations, not established findings of wrongdoing. The Election Commission has rejected allegations of improper conduct and maintains that its electoral-roll decisions are being carried out through due process.
The Election Commission’s official voter portal currently provides dedicated services for SIR 2026, including an option to fill the enumeration form and search a name in the previous SIR.
Why are people protesting in Delhi today?
The current demonstrations developed from protests that began around Gandhi Jayanti on October 2.
Student groups and political organisations gathered to raise concerns about electoral-roll revisions and demand accountability from the Election Commission.
The protests have continued for several days, making Jantar Mantar and surrounding areas a major focus of political activity in central Delhi.
On Sunday, separate marches involving groups including AISA, Congress and AAP led to clashes between protesters and security personnel. Hindustan Times reported that more than 120 people were detained during the third day of demonstrations.
What happened at Jantar Mantar?
The situation at Jantar Mantar has changed from a conventional demonstration into a larger security and political issue.
Police placed barricades around parts of central Delhi and used buses to detain protesters. Some demonstrators attempted to resist police action, while authorities said they were trying to maintain public order.
Earlier, on October 2, around 500 people were reported detained as protesters attempted to gather for the demonstration. Political leaders and student activists were among those detained.
Another report put the number of people detained across Delhi that day at around 1,000 as authorities attempted to prevent large gatherings around central Delhi.
Because different reports refer to different locations and periods during the demonstrations, detention figures should not be treated as one cumulative total.
Why is Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar being targeted?
The protesters are demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar mainly because of their objections to the SIR electoral-roll revision process.
They argue that the revision could affect voters and want greater transparency about how names are being included, excluded or reviewed.
The Election Commission has rejected allegations of wrongdoing. Therefore, readers should distinguish between claims made by protesters and verified findings by authorities or courts.
The issue has also reached the legal system. Recent reporting shows that the Supreme Court has been considering challenges connected with the SIR process, including questions concerning decisions taken by the Election Commission.
What is SIR?
SIR stands for Special Intensive Revision.
It is an electoral-roll revision exercise intended to verify and update voter information.
The Election Commission’s official voter portal has a dedicated SIR 2026 section. It allows eligible citizens to access services related to enumeration and voter-list verification.
For voters, the practical issue is simple: if someone is concerned about their electoral-roll status, they should check the official Election Commission system rather than relying only on social-media posts or protest-related claims.
The ECI website also provides services to search electoral rolls, register as a voter, track applications and access voter-related forms.
Were protesters detained?
Yes.
Multiple reports have documented detentions during the recent demonstrations.
On October 2, around 500 people were detained during attempts to gather near Jantar Mantar, according to the Indian Express.
During the third day of demonstrations, more than 120 people were briefly detained, according to Hindustan Times. AISA president Neha Bora and political activist Yogendra Yadav were among those detained, according to Indian Express.
The number of people detained therefore depends on the specific day and location being discussed.
Why is there heavy police security?
Security has been increased because authorities expected large gatherings in central Delhi.
Reports indicate that thousands of security personnel were deployed around areas connected with the demonstrations. Barricades and restrictions were also used to prevent protesters from moving toward restricted areas.
Police have said that demonstrations were being held without the required permission and that security measures were necessary to maintain public order.
The authorities’ position and protesters’ accounts differ on several aspects of the confrontations, so individual allegations should be treated carefully until officially investigated.
What happened to journalists during the protest?
Another controversy has emerged from the demonstrations.
Three women journalists alleged sexual harassment and misconduct by Delhi Police personnel while covering the October 3 protest. The journalists filed complaints, and the Delhi Police Crime Branch was assigned to investigate the allegations.
Police have said the journalists were detained after refusing to leave the protest area and that their actions were taken under applicable restrictions. The allegations are now subject to investigation.
This has added another layer to the controversy surrounding the Jantar Mantar demonstrations.
Is another Jantar Mantar protest planned?
Yes.
Further demonstrations have been announced for October 10, 2026.
The Cockroach Janta Party has announced another protest at Jantar Mantar concerning the SIR process and the demand for Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation. Its leaders have also made allegations that some organisers could face arrest before the planned demonstration. Those arrest claims are allegations by the organisers and should not be treated as confirmed government action.
The Aam Aadmi Party has also announced a protest at Jantar Mantar on October 10 against the Election Commission.
What should voters do if they are worried about their voter name?
People should avoid relying on unverified social-media messages.
The safest approach is to use the official Election Commission voter services to check electoral-roll information and follow the instructions provided for SIR 2026.
The official ECI portal provides SIR-related services, voter registration facilities and options for checking electoral-roll information.
If a voter receives an official notice, they should carefully follow the instructions and submit the required information through the authorised process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Jantar Mantar protest today about?
The current protest is mainly focused on the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls and demands for accountability from Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Why are protesters demanding Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation?
Protesters accuse the Election Commission of mishandling aspects of the SIR process and want Kumar to resign. The Election Commission has rejected allegations of wrongdoing.
How many people were detained at Jantar Mantar?
Different reports give different figures for different days. Around 500 people were reported detained on October 2, while more than 120 were detained during Sunday’s demonstrations.
Is there a protest at Jantar Mantar today?
Protests and related demonstrations have continued around central Delhi. The situation can change quickly, so readers should check the latest Delhi Police and reliable news updates before travelling to the area.
What does SIR mean?
SIR means Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. The Election Commission has launched dedicated SIR 2026 services through its official voter portal.
Is another protest planned at Jantar Mantar?
Yes. Separate groups have announced further demonstrations for October 10, including protests concerning the SIR process and the Election Commission.
Bottom Line
The Jantar Mantar protest today is part of a continuing political and civil-society mobilisation over the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls and demands for accountability from Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
The demonstrations have resulted in significant police deployment and multiple detentions. At the same time, allegations concerning police conduct are being investigated.
Because the situation remains active, readers should distinguish between verified developments, statements by protesters and official responses. For questions about voter registration or electoral-roll status, the Election Commission’s official voter services remain the most reliable source.
Source note: This article is based on the uploaded search-question data and current reporting available on October 5, 2026. Protest-related numbers and developments can change as authorities and organisers release further information.