Dipke, Bora Among Leaders Invited To Friday’s March Against Election Commission

Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, enforced during earlier protests, still applies in the New Delhi district.

Fresh Protest Planned Without Police Permission

Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke has been invited to Friday’s march in the Capital. Student leaders Neha Bora and Aishe Ghosh are also on the list. Senior advocate Prashant Bhushan joins them too.

The march aims to “restore democracy.” Organisers want Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar removed from his post. They also demand the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls be scrapped completely.

Actor and activist Prakash Raj has received an invitation as well. Farmer leader Rakesh Tikait and author Tushar Gandhi are joining the list. Marches will take place across several parts of the country simultaneously.

No Police Nod Sought For The March

People Against SIR organised these marches. This alliance of students, farmers, and civil society groups formed just a week ago. The group skipped seeking police permission entirely for Friday’s event.

Earlier protests without police approval faced serious trouble. CJP’s own demonstrations ran into similar crackdowns recently. Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) remains active in New Delhi district.

The platform issued a clear statement on October 18. It said, “””The People’s March to Reclaim Democracy will not request police permission anywhere.”””

Police, paramilitary staff, and prison officials received a stern warning too. The group cautioned against using force on peaceful protesters. Their “No SIR” campaign carries the slogan “””Har Gali Jantar Mantar, Har Gaon Jantar Mantar, Mera Ghar Jantar Mantar.”””

INDIA Bloc Also Invited To Join

Organisers have extended an invitation to the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) too. However, no invitee had confirmed participation until this report was filed.

The Delhi march route starts at Bangla Sahib Gurdwara in Connaught Place. It will proceed toward the Election Commission’s office near Patel Chowk. Police had given no response by the time this report went live.

Should police block the planned route, protesters have a backup plan ready. They intend to hold a “””People’s Parliament””” instead. The gathering will disperse after singing the national anthem together.

Rules Under Section 163 Explained

Section 163 of BNSS bans gatherings of five or more people without written permission. This covers public meetings, processions, demonstrations, picketing, and dharnas completely. Shouting slogans, delivering speeches, and carrying weapons also fall under this ban.

Carrying firearms, banners, placards, lathis, swords, sticks, or brickbats is similarly prohibited. Anyone wanting to carry such items needs prior written police approval first.

Group Formed Earlier This Month

People Against SIR came together on October 14 at Surjeet Bhavan. Farmers, workers, women, students, Adivasis, Dalits, and minority groups all participated. The platform insists the SIR exercise violates legal norms.

They want voter lists reset to pre2024 versions immediately. Updates should follow social audits as per Election Commission Manual guidelines. CAG rules should also guide this entire process, the group insists.

The platform has listed six “immediate” demands for authorities. A second set covers broader “key” demands beyond the immediate ones. They want Kumar removed and prosecuted for alleged violations.

The statement declared, “””Gyanesh Kumar has violated his Constitutional pledge and must be prosecuted.”””

Previous Detentions Of Invited Leaders

Many invitees faced detention during earlier protests against Kumar. Dipke, Saurav Das, and Ashutosh Ranka were held on October 10. Security forces acted ahead of their planned march at Jantar Mantar.

Roughly 41,000 security personnel guarded Delhi that day. The massive deployment aimed to prevent the planned demonstration entirely. Around 7,000 people were detained, leaving parts of Delhi empty.

Dipke walked free on Saturday following his detention. Das and Ranka were released later on Wednesday. Bora, who heads the All India Students’ Association (AISA), faced detention too.

She had called protesters to regroup at Dilli Haat that day. Security forces intercepted the group along Sri Aurobindo Marg. Leaders were placed inside a bus by officials.

Protesters then blocked the bus physically to stop its movement. An hourlong scuffle broke out between both sides. Ghosh was detained separately near Bangla Sahib that same day.

Bhushan also faced detention from police during the standoff. All detained leaders were eventually released afterward.

MPs Detained During Earlier March Too

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi faced detention days before this event. This happened on October 6 alongside other INDIA bloc leaders. At least 300 lawmakers marched from Parliament to the Election Commission that day.

EC And BJP Reject All Allegations

The Election Commission and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have denied every SIR related charge. BJP spokesman Sambit Patra commented on October 10 regarding the protests.

He called the demonstrators “””anarchic elements””” during his remarks that day.