Delhi Internet Shutdown Tonight: Mobile Data to Be Suspended Near Jantar Mantar for 24 Hours
Mobile internet services are set to be suspended in parts of central Delhi from 10 pm on Friday, October 9, until 10 pm on Saturday, October 10, as authorities prepare for a planned protest at Jantar Mantar.
According to reports citing a Delhi Police notification, the restriction will cover an area within a four-kilometre radius of the Janpath–Kartavya Path crossing. The measure comes ahead of a demonstration called by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which has demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
The restriction is intended to help authorities maintain public order and prevent potential disruption during the planned gathering. Residents, commuters and visitors in the affected area may face difficulties accessing mobile internet services during the 24-hour period.
Why Is Mobile Internet Being Suspended?
The shutdown comes amid heightened security preparations for the October 10 protest. Organisers have called for demonstrations over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, a voter-verification exercise that has become a major political issue.
The CJP has demanded accountability from the Election Commission and called for Kumar to step down. Opposition groups and activists have also raised concerns about voter-list deletions and the possible exclusion of eligible voters.
The Election Commission's voter-verification process and the claims surrounding it remain politically contested. Allegations of wrongdoing should not be treated as established facts without supporting evidence.
Delhi Police Denies Permission for Protest
Delhi Police has denied permission for the proposed CJP demonstration at Jantar Mantar. Police officials have cited the short notice given for the event, previous alleged non-compliance with directions and concerns involving public safety, traffic management and law and order.
Authorities have also imposed prohibitory restrictions in the New Delhi area under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). Police have warned that legal action may be taken against people who violate the applicable orders.
Despite the restrictions, the planned protest has prompted extensive security preparations across the capital.
Delhi Metro Commuters May Also Be Affected
The internet suspension is part of a broader set of precautionary measures announced ahead of the demonstration.
Reports published on Friday said Delhi Police had asked the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) to close entry and exit gates at 57 metro stations from 9 pm on October 9. The proposed restrictions are intended to prevent large groups from gathering at sensitive locations and moving towards protest sites.
Commuters should check official DMRC announcements before travelling, as station access and other arrangements may change depending on the security situation.
The metro measures are separate from the mobile internet restriction. Travellers should verify which stations are affected rather than assume that the entire metro network will be closed.
What Should Mobile Internet Users Know?
People living, working or travelling within the notified area should prepare for a possible interruption to mobile internet access.
They may wish to download essential documents, save important contact details and arrange alternative ways to communicate before the restriction begins. The exact impact on individual services depends on the terms of the official order and the networks affected.
The reported restriction is scheduled to remain in effect for 24 hours, ending at 10 pm on October 10. People should follow official updates from the authorities for any changes to the timing or geographical coverage.
What Happens Next?
Security arrangements are expected to remain tight around central Delhi as authorities prepare for Saturday's proposed demonstration. The situation may affect travel, communications and access to public areas.
The key details for residents and commuters are the stated start time of 10 pm on October 9, the reported four-kilometre restriction zone around the Janpath–Kartavya Path crossing, and the scheduled end time of 10 pm on October 10.