New Delhi: As protests demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar continue to sweep across the national capital, law enforcement agencies have initiated widespread legal action against the demonstrators. Over the past seven days, the Delhi Police have registered a total of 27 First Information Reports (FIRs) in connection with the ongoing agitations.
An analysis of the police action reveals a heavy reliance on the newly implemented Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) to crack down on the unrest. Official data indicates that four specific sections of the BNS have been invoked most frequently to book the protesting activists and political workers.
The most widely applied provision is Section 3(5) of the BNS, which deals with criminal acts done by several persons in furtherance of a common intention, thereby invoking joint liability. According to police records, this section has been included in 22 out of the 27 FIRs. This highlights a clear strategy by the authorities to hold groups collectively accountable for the disruptions caused during the massive demonstrations.
Furthermore, Section 223(a) of the BNS, which pertains to disobeying official government or administrative orders, has been slapped against protesters in 18 separate cases. The widespread use of this section underscores the administrative pushback against demonstrators who allegedly defied prohibitory orders and breached designated security perimeters while attempting to march towards restricted zones.
In addition to these provisions, official reports indicate that Sections 221 and 132 of the BNS have also seen significant application, having been invoked in 17 cases each. These sections relate primarily to obstructing public servants in the discharge of their public functions and the use of criminal force or assault against them.
The aggressive legal clampdown comes amid mounting tensions in the city, with opposition parties refusing to back down from their demands. With the national capital turning into a virtual fortress ahead of major scheduled marches, the police maintain that the FIRs are a necessary step to curb unregulated movement and maintain public order. Authorities are actively investigating the numerous cases filed under these sections, indicating a tough legal road ahead for the detained protesters.