Delhi Police Stop Anti-SIR Farmers' March to EC; Detention Count Disputedਦਿੱਲੀ ਪੁਲਿਸ ਨੇ ਚੋਣ ਕਮਿਸ਼ਨ ਵੱਲ ਐੱਸਆਈਆਰ ਵਿਰੋਧੀ ਮਾਰਚ ਰੋਕਿਆ, ਹਿਰਾਸਤਾਂ ਦੇ ਅੰਕੜੇ ਵੱਖ-ਵੱਖ

Delhi Police stopped an anti-SIR march of farmers, students and activists on Friday before it could reach the Election Commission of India headquarters, as the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) and the People Against SIR collective held protests across the country on 23 October 2026. The demands: scrap the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls and remove Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

What happened in Delhi?

The march began around 1 pm near Gole Dak Khana, at the junction of Kalibari Marg and Bhai Vir Singh Marg close to Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, with marchers carrying the Tricolour and shouting "Gyanesh Kumar, resign", The Tribune and the New Indian Express reported. Prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita were in force, and barricades blocked the road, PTI reported. CPI(M) leader Brinda Karat and Rakesh Tikait of the farmers' movement were among those reported at the protest.

How many were detained?

Accounts differ. The Tribune and the National Herald said more than 100 protesters were detained. The Hindu reported that Delhi Police put the figure at about 20, who were later released, while protesters claimed around 50, and said at least one FIR was registered for violating the prohibitory orders. The Hindu counted about 500 marchers; the Indian Express live blog counted 100 to 150 at the start.

What happened in Punjab and the rest of the country?

On the SKM's call, farmers staged protests at district and tehsil headquarters, including Bathinda, demanding that SIR be scrapped and the CEC prosecuted, The Times of India reported. SKM said over 13 crore names had been deleted from voter lists. Protests were also held in Haryana, where SKM gathered at the Jagadhri grain market, the Tribune reported. Student groups announced another demonstration in Hyderabad on 25 October.

Why does it link to Punjab's own move?

The same day, the Punjab Assembly passed a resolution seeking an independent inquiry into alleged electoral irregularities and the functioning of the Election Commission under Gyanesh Kumar. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann demanded SIR be scrapped, India Today reported. The Election Commission has not accepted the allegations in the reports reviewed here.

Who organised the protests?

The Delhi march was called by the Delhi Coordination Committee of People Against SIR, with SKM, student and women's groups, under the slogan "Every Street a Jantar Mantar".

What do the protesters want?

They want SIR withdrawn, pre-2024 voter lists restored and the CEC removed and prosecuted.

How many were detained in Delhi?

Reports range from about 20 (police) to more than 100 (Tribune, National Herald).