The Delhi High Court on Thursday agreed to hear a plea by the Indian Youth Congress (IYC) seeking permission to hold a protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar at Jantar Mantar over alleged irregularities in the special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
The court told the petitioner’s counsel that the plea will be listed on Friday and in case it does not happen, they can again mention the matter.
The IYC, through its national president Uday Bhanu Chib, approached the court challenging the Delhi Police’s October 1 communication denying permission to organise a peaceful demonstration at Jantar Mantar.
The IYC, which is demanding the resignation of Mr. Kumar over alleged irregularities in the special intensive revision (SIR) exercise, had applied to the Delhi Police on September 25 for a peaceful demonstration of around 100-150 persons from October 1 to October 25.
It said it had undertaken to comply with all lawful conditions concerning security, traffic, discipline and public order, but its request was rejected.
The petition stated it raised questions concerning the manner in which the fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution could be regulated by the police while considering an application for a peaceful democratic demonstration at Jantar Mantar.
“The proposed demonstration arises out of concerns regarding transparency, accountability and functioning of constitutional institutions, and was proposed as a peaceful exercise of the petitioner’s right to freedom of speech and expression and the right to assemble peacefully and without arms,” it stated.
“The petitioner does not dispute that the State is entitled to regulate assemblies in the interests of public order, traffic management, public safety and the rights of residents and other members of the public. The challenge, however, is to the manner and extent of such regulation,” it added.
“A power to regulate a fundamental right cannot be converted into an unfettered power to prohibit its exercise. The constitutional requirement is one of reasonable regulation, individualised assessment and proportionality, and not mechanical refusal,” the petition said.
The plea sought quashing of the October 1 communication issued by the police and directions for fresh and lawful consideration of the petitioner’s request.
Published – October 09, 2026 01:23 am IST
