Anti-CEC protest LIVE | Saurav Das, Ashutosh Ranka, Ajinkya Shinde under preventive arrest for trespassing into Jantar Mantar - The Hindu

On a Saturday afternoon, a group of activists gathered at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi to voice opposition to recent decisions made by the Chief Election Commissioner, which they claim undermine electoral fairness. Among the participants were Saurav Das, Ashutosh Ranka and Ajinkya Shinde, who were identified by police as leaders of the demonstration. The protest turned contentious when the trio attempted to move beyond the designated protest area, prompting law enforcement officers to intervene and detain them under preventive custody provisions.

Authorities explained that Jantar Mantar, while a historic site for public demonstrations, has specific zones where assemblies are permitted. The police reported that the activists ignored repeated warnings and entered a restricted section, thereby violating the terms of the protest permit. Preventive arrest, a measure allowed under Indian law to preempt potential disturbances, was applied to the three individuals to avoid escalation. Their detention is set for five days, after which they will be presented before a magistrate for further hearing.

The incident has drawn attention to the balance between the right to protest and the need for public safety, especially in a capital city that frequently hosts political rallies. Legal analysts note that preventive arrests must be justified by credible threats to order, and they will be watching how the courts assess the police's justification in this case. For Indian readers, the event underscores the ongoing debate over electoral reforms and the role of civil society in influencing policy decisions.