NEW DELHI, INDIA (HRNW) — Amnesty International has raised concerns over the detention of protesters and restrictions on internet and public transport services during demonstrations in Delhi and Mumbai, where participants called for the resignation of India’s Chief Election Commissioner.
In a statement published on October 2, Amnesty said authorities imposed prohibitory orders and detained hundreds of protesters amid the demonstrations.
The protests were led by the Cockroach Janta Party, student unions and opposition parties, according to Amnesty.
Participants were demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar amid controversy surrounding the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.
Amnesty said protesters had raised concerns that the revision process could result in eligible voters being removed from electoral lists and questioned its transparency.
The organization reported that more than 130 million people had been deleted from electoral rolls since 2025.
The Election Commission has said the revision is intended to verify voter eligibility and has denied allegations of political manipulation, Amnesty noted.
Amnesty International India’s Board Chair, Aakar Patel, said the right to peaceful protest is protected under Indian constitutional and international human-rights standards.
The organization said detaining people solely for intending to participate in peaceful demonstrations raises concerns about freedom of expression, liberty and assembly.
Amnesty also expressed concern about the reported suspension of internet connectivity and public transport services during the protests.
The organization said internet access has become important for people seeking to organize demonstrations, communicate, share information and document events.
Restrictions on connectivity can also affect people who are not participating in protests, including residents trying to access information and essential services.
Amnesty called on authorities to release people detained solely for exercising their rights and to restore internet access.
The organization also urged the government to ensure that any restrictions on public gatherings are lawful, necessary and proportionate.
The dispute over electoral roll revisions remains a matter of public and political debate, with authorities and protesters presenting different views about the process.
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Disclaimer
This article is based on Amnesty International’s October 2, 2026 statement. Figures and descriptions concerning detentions, internet restrictions and electoral-roll revisions are attributed to Amnesty and the parties it cites. The Election Commission’s stated position is also noted; HRNW has not independently verified the reported events.
