Left parties have expressed strong disapproval of the restrictions enforced by Delhi authorities in anticipation of a mobilisation scheduled for October 10. This protest is centred around concerns regarding the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls and the functioning of the Election Commission. The parties have collectively urged the Delhi Police to permit the gathering at Jantar Mantar, a notable protest site in the capital.

A joint statement issued by the Communist Party of India (Marxist), Communist Party of India, Communist Party of India (Marxist–Leninist) Liberation, Revolutionary Socialist Party, and All India Forward Bloc described the measures taken by the authorities as excessively restrictive. They highlighted the denial of permission for the demonstration, extensive barricading, prohibitory orders, as well as the closure of 45 metro stations and disruptions to train services leading to Delhi.

Additionally, the statement alluded to reports of individuals being placed under house arrest across various locations, allegedly aiming to suppress the protest. The clampdown was said to coincide with preparations by the Cockroach Janta Party for a significant demonstration at the same location.

Impact on Public and Legal Observations

The Left parties argued that the imposed restrictions not only impede their planned protest but also inconvenience the general public. They called on both the Delhi Police and the Union government to cease the intimidation and harassment of potential participants, stressing the importance of removing obstacles to facilitate the assembly at Jantar Mantar.

In conjunction with these statements, CPI(M) general secretary M A Baby noted that the Supreme Court had considered a challenge to these movement restrictions in Delhi. During this hearing, senior advocate Kapil Sibal represented the petitioners. Baby quoted the court’s observations stating that while the government had the right to regulate movement, it could not enforce a total blockade, particularly affecting students, workers, and everyday citizens.

On October 6, the Supreme Court directed the Centre to ensure that no “complete prohibition” was enacted regarding metro and train services to Delhi on October 10. The court emphasised that while law enforcement could implement measures against unruly behaviour, citizens should not experience undue harassment.

Calls for Protests to be Allowed

The Solicitor General of India indicated that he would relay the suggestion for considering an alternative site for the protest to relevant authorities. Following this, Baby remarked on the alarming level of barricading and security presence in Delhi, claiming it creates an intimidating atmosphere. He reaffirmed the commitment of Left parties to participate in the upcoming mobilisation.

In a separate development, CPI Member of Parliament P Sandosh Kumar addressed a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, insisting that Jantar Mantar be opened for the planned demonstration, metro stations reinstated to service, and that detention of activists come to an end. In his letter, Kumar asserted that every attempt to reach out to what he termed an “insensitive government” had met with obstacles and police force.

CPI(ML) Liberation general secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya remarked on the appropriate guidance from the Chief Justice of India, implying the government’s heavy-handed approach was excessive. He claimed that with train and metro services halted, the government had effectively created a siege situation in the capital. He questioned whether India had ever witnessed such a pronounced fear of democracy and peaceful protest in its history.

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