New Delhi: Multiple FIRs were registered in connection with Wednesday’s INDIA bloc protest, with police examining allegations of obstruction, assault on police personnel and violation of prohibitory orders during the demonstration.
Police sources said one FIR was related to alleged obstruction of police personnel and assault on cops while another was registered under BNS Section 223 (disobedience to an order duly promulgated by a public servant). As many as 91 people were detained. Police said restrictions under BNSS Section 163 were in force in New Delhi area. IYC had on Sept 25 applied to Delhi Police for a peaceful demonstration of 100-150 persons at Jantar Mantar from Oct 1-25. On Oct 3, it approached HC through its national president Uday Bhanu Chib challenging Delhi Police’s Oct 1 communication denying them permission. The petition invoked fundamental rights guaranteed under Articles 19(1)(a) and 19(1)(b) of Constitution.
Sources said Delhi Police were analysing footage from videos recorded on mobile phones during the protest to identify people allegedly involved in pushing, obstructing or assaulting cops, including women officers and constables. A third FIR was registered, but details are not yet known. The FIRs came after a confrontation between Delhi Police and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and other Opposition MPs after they were stopped near Windsor Place while attempting to march towards EC headquarters. Several videos on social media showed cops persuading protesters to leave, with officers citing the obstruction caused to commuters and traffic. Other videos showed heated exchanges and scuffles between protesters and police personnel. Police alleged some protesters manhandled their personnel when officers attempted to disperse the gathering. A tussle broke out as police tried to move the protesting MPs away from the spot.
HC told the petitioner’s counsel that in case it does not happen Friday, they can again mention the matter. The plea was mentioned for urgent listing before a bench of acting Chief Justice Nitin Wasudeo Sambre and Justice Sanjay Sharma. Delhi High Court Thursday agreed to hear on Friday a plea by IYC seeking permission to hold a protest against CEC Gyanesh Kumar at Jantar Mantar.