Thousands of opposition supporters converged on India’s Supreme Court in the capital to demand the resignation of the election chief, alleging misconduct in revising electoral rolls. The demonstration, organized on Monday, represented an escalation in a weeks-long dispute over voter eligibility and followed multiple instances where authorities had blocked prior protest attempts.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi headed the march and filed a petition with the court challenging the electoral process, during which tens of millions of names were struck from voter registrations. Opposition coalitions contend that the revision disproportionately benefits the ruling party led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a claim rejected by both the government and the Election Commission. The court’s Chief Justice acknowledged receiving the petition and pledged to hear the matter at the earliest opportunity.
Police imposed extensive restrictions on Monday’s demonstration, with heavy security deployed across central Delhi and transit disruptions at multiple metro stations. Security personnel detained thousands of protesters over the preceding weekend, and authorities had previously denied demonstration permits, citing public order concerns. One pressure group attempting to protest earlier in the weekend saw its organizers dramatically detained at an airport before their release.
Journalists covering the events reported being detained or encountering police force, with international press freedom organizations condemning the treatment of media personnel. Video evidence documented instances of physical force against detained individuals. Opposition figures characterized the detentions as targeting peaceful demonstrators exercising democratic rights, while the ruling party alleged foreign involvement in efforts to destabilize the nation without providing specifics.
Authorities announced that future demonstrations would no longer be permitted at the traditional protest venue, with officials designating alternative sites for any approved assemblies. The escalating tensions underscore deepening disputes between the government and opposition over electoral procedures and democratic participation in the world’s largest democracy by population.
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