India's Supreme Court will hold a special Sunday hearing today on the mass detention of protesters by Delhi Police, in what has become the most consequential flashpoint of the anti-Election Commission agitation led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP). Meanwhile, in Mumbai, actor Imran Khan was detained on Saturday after joining a solidarity protest, as police in both cities cracked down on demonstrators.
Over 7,000 released in Delhi — but Dipke and Das still in custody
Delhi Police sources said all protesters detained across the capital have been released, except CJP leaders Abhijeet Dipke and Saurav Das, who remain in custody, according to News9live. The release followed Saturday's mass protest in the capital, which saw sweeping detentions, restricted metro services, and heightened security across the city.
The CJP has announced a fresh march to Jantar Mantar on Sunday and vowed to continue demonstrations until Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar resigns — the movement's central demand over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. Delhi Metro has reopened entry and exit gates at all stations following restrictions imposed ahead of Saturday's protest.
Supreme Court's special Sunday hearing
A two-judge bench of the Supreme Court, comprising Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana, will hold a special hearing on Sunday on the mass detention of leaders and the curbs on Delhi Metro services, India TV News reported. The plea, filed through advocate Chand Qureshi, arrays the Union Home Secretary, the Delhi Police Commissioner, and the DMRC chairperson as respondents.
The plea describes the detentions as "a brutal assault on the fundamental rights of the citizens" and accuses the authorities of "deliberate, intentional attempt" to disregard the court's orders — language that signals the bench could take a stern view of the weekend's crackdown.
Imran Khan detained in Mumbai: "I was present as a citizen"
In a development that has drawn national attention, actor Imran Khan was detained by Mumbai Police on Saturday at August Kranti Maidan, where he had joined a protest in support of the CJP's call for the Election Commissioner's resignation, reported The Quint. Khan attended with his girlfriend Lekha Washington and cousin Zayn Marie Khan. After being detained, the group was not allowed to book a vehicle and had to walk home.
"I was present as a citizen, not as a representative of any organisation," Khan said, questioning the restrictions on freedom of movement and expression.
Mumbai Police said no permission had been sought for the gathering at August Kranti Maidan, noting that the Bombay High Court permits protests only at Azad Maidan. CJP workers claimed they had emailed the police seeking permission but received no response. More than 400 people were detained across Mumbai — at least 200 at August Kranti Maidan alone — including activist Tushar Gandhi. Film figures including Prakash Raj and Anurag Kashyap criticised the scale of the police action.
The political blame game intensifies
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta accused Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal of trying to turn Delhi into a "battleground." Gandhi hit back, criticising the police crackdown, while activist Sonam Wangchuk urged dialogue and an end to the arrests. Two police personnel were injured in Delhi during the demonstrations, according to the live updates.
Table of Contents
- Over 7,000 released in Delhi — but Dipke and Das still in custody
- Supreme Court's special Sunday hearing
- Imran Khan detained in Mumbai: "I was present as a citizen"
- The political blame game intensifies
- Key takeaways
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Sources
- Related reading
Key takeaways
- Supreme Court's Justices Bagchi and Mohana hold a special Sunday hearing on the mass detentions and Delhi Metro curbs.
- Delhi Police have released over 7,000 detainees; CJP leaders Abhijeet Dipke and Saurav Das remain in custody.
- Actor Imran Khan was detained at a Mumbai solidarity protest at August Kranti Maidan; 400+ detained across the city, including activist Tushar Gandhi.
- The CJP has called a fresh march to Jantar Mantar on Sunday, vowing to continue until Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar resigns.
- The agitation's core demand: the resignation of the CEC over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the "Cockroach" movement protesting?
The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), a satirical protest outfit, is demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The movement began with street-theatre-style protests in Delhi and has since spread to Mumbai and other cities.
Why is the Supreme Court hearing the matter on a Sunday?
A plea was filed through advocate Chand Qureshi challenging the mass detention of protesters and the curbs on Delhi Metro services ahead of Saturday's protest. The plea frames the detentions as a violation of citizens' fundamental rights and accuses the authorities of disregarding court orders. A two-judge bench of Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana convened a special Sunday hearing.
Why was Imran Khan detained?
Mumbai Police detained the actor at August Kranti Maidan on Saturday, saying no permission had been sought for the protest gathering. Khan, who said he attended "as a citizen," was detained along with his girlfriend Lekha Washington and cousin Zayn Marie Khan. Police said protests are permitted only at Azad Maidan per the Bombay High Court's orders.
Who is still in custody?
According to Delhi Police sources, all detained protesters have been released except CJP leaders Abhijeet Dipke and Saurav Das, who remain in custody. Dipke had earlier been named interim leader of the movement.
What happens next?
The CJP has called for another march to Jantar Mantar on Sunday, vowing to continue the agitation until the Chief Election Commissioner resigns. The Supreme Court's special hearing could set the legal framework for how future protests and detentions are handled.
