Delhi suspends mobile internet for 24 hours ahead of CJP protest; 57 Metro stations shut
New Delhi: Delhi has stepped up security ahead of the CJP protest scheduled at Jantar Mantar, with mobile internet services suspended for 24 hours in parts of the capital and 57 Metro stations ordered to close temporarily. Police have also strengthened security at major railway stations to manage the arrival of demonstrators.
The mobile internet restrictions began at 10 pm on Friday and will remain in place until 10 pm on Saturday. The suspension covers an area within a 4-km radius of the Janpath-Kartavya Path crossing, according to a communication sent by Delhi Police to telecom operators.
The move follows approval from the Union Home Secretary after the police sought permission from the Union Home Ministry to suspend internet services as part of the security arrangements.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Manishi Chandra of the Special Cell headquarters wrote to telecom companies, asking them to implement the temporary restrictions.
The order cites Rule 3(1) of the Telecommunications (Temporary Suspension of Services) Rules, 2024, read with Section 20(2)(b) of the Telecommunications Act, 2023, as the legal basis for the suspension.
The internet restrictions come alongside other preventive measures introduced ahead of the demonstration. Delhi Police has said permission for the proposed CJP protest was denied because the organisers allegedly failed to comply with legal directions and undertakings given during an earlier demonstration.
Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) is also in force in the New Delhi area, with restrictions imposed to maintain public order and safety.
57 Delhi Metro stations to remain closed
Metro services have also been affected by the security measures, with 57 stations scheduled for temporary closure from 9 pm on Friday.
The stations listed for closure include several prominent interchange points and locations in central Delhi, as well as stations across other parts of the city.
Among those named are Rajiv Chowk, Janpath, Patel Chowk, Central Secretariat, Lok Kalyan Marg, Supreme Court, Mandi House, Barakhamba Road, ITO, Delhi Gate and Kashmere Gate.
Other stations on the list include Sarai Kale Khan-Nizamuddin, Lajpat Nagar, Jangpura, Vishwavidyalaya, Civil Lines, Okhla Vihar, Jamia Millia Islamia, Ashram, Rohini West, Welcome, Shalimar Bagh, Adarsh Nagar and Hauz Khas.
The proposed closures form part of the wider security plan for the demonstration.
Security tightened at railway stations
Delhi Police has also arranged additional security at major railway stations, anticipating an influx of protesters travelling to the capital by train.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Railways) B. Bharat Reddy said 334 Government Railway Police (GRP) personnel had been deployed, while the police had requested 14 companies of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF).
The deployment is intended to cover the seven major railway stations that receive the highest number of trains and record substantial passenger footfall. Personnel will remain on duty around the clock, Reddy told IANS.
He said passengers whose trains continue to operate on their scheduled routes and are due to arrive at their designated stations should not face inconvenience because of the security arrangements.
The measures come ahead of the CJP demonstration at Jantar Mantar on October 10, with police focusing on crowd management, public order and security across key transport hubs.
With IANS inputs