Supreme Court Orders Review of Delhi Barricades

Delhi’s barricades are under review after the Supreme Court directed authorities to let people move freely under the law. The direction comes as the city prepares for an opposition march and rally on November 1. But the court did not say whether the event itself had been approved or changed.

The INDIA bloc, led by Congress, plans to gather at Ramlila Maidan and march to the Election Commission’s office. The protest is over alleged problems in the voter list update. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has urged students, farmers, workers, women, young people and traders to join. He alleges voters’ names have been removed and rules broken. The alliance also plans a mock Parliament and a “public impeachment” of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar on October 30. ^2,3

Reports have not confirmed those allegations, and the dispute is about voter records and trust in the body that runs elections. The Special Intensive Revision is meant to update voter lists, but opposition parties say eligible voters have been removed and demand Kumar’s dismissal. The BJP rejects the opposition’s campaign and has criticized the rally date, saying November 1 is the anniversary of the 1984 anti-Sikh violence. A traders’ group has also asked for a delay, citing possible disruption to festive-season business. ^1,7,8

The Supreme Court’s direction focuses attention on access: authorities must review barricades and allow people to move lawfully. Delhi Police has issued a no-objection certificate for the November 1 event, according to reports. The BJP is expected to plan its response to the opposition campaign. The next public test is the opposition event on October 30, followed by the planned Ramlila Maidan rally two days later. ^1,2