Three FIRs against Rahul Gandhi for ‘assaulting police’ during protest demanding CEC resignation

What happened during the Opposition protest near Jantar Mantar, and why were Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra detained?

Opposition MPs travelled toward Jantar Mantar on Wednesday for an INDIA bloc demonstration demanding Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation. They had gathered after a lunch hosted by Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge. Police stopped their buses before they reached the designated protest site, creating a tense standoff.

Rahul Gandhi was removed from the spot and detained. Police took him to Barakhamba Road police station. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and other leaders were taken to Chhatrasal Stadium. The article reports that both leaders were released shortly after 8 pm.

The detentions were followed by three FIRs against Gandhi. The cases allege assaulting or manhandling police personnel, obstructing government work, and misbehaving with police. Vadra was also named in the FIRs. Gandhi rejected the political impact of the cases, saying every FIR was “a medal” and that Congress would continue fighting.

How many FIRs were filed against Rahul Gandhi, and which other leaders were named in them?

At least three first information reports were filed against Rahul Gandhi after the protest near Jantar Mantar. The FIRs concern allegations that he assaulted police personnel and obstructed them during the INDIA bloc demonstration. They were registered after police blocked the group from reaching the designated protest site.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, the Wayanad MP, was also named in the FIRs. The article says both leaders were booked under Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita provisions related to assault on police personnel, obstruction of government work, pushing and manhandling, and misbehaviour with police personnel.

These cases add to legal action already reported against the two leaders. On Tuesday, Delhi Police registered another FIR against Gandhi, Vadra, and other Opposition leaders over alleged unauthorised entry into Akashvani Bhawan. Gandhi said he would continue fighting despite the cases.

What is an FIR, and what do the alleged offences—such as assaulting police and obstructing government work—mean in practice?

An FIR, or first information report, is the formal record police prepare when they receive information about a suspected cognisable offence. It starts the criminal investigation. An FIR records the allegations and relevant legal provisions; it does not establish that the accused is guilty.

In practice, alleged assault on police can mean claims that a person intentionally used force or physical contact against an officer. Pushing or manhandling refers to alleged physical handling. Obstructing government work generally means allegedly preventing public officials from carrying out their lawful duties. Misbehaviour is a broader allegation of improper conduct toward police.

The article reports that Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra were booked under Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita sections covering these claims. The cases followed the protest standoff, when police stopped buses travelling toward Jantar Mantar. Any final criminal responsibility would depend on investigation and later legal proceedings.

Why were the INDIA bloc parties demanding Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation?

The INDIA bloc parties were demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The article links the demand to concerns about how the Election Commission is functioning and how it is handling the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, or SIR.

The protest near Jantar Mantar followed a march and demonstrations by Opposition leaders. Police stopped their buses before they reached the designated site. Gandhi was detained, and Vadra and other leaders were taken to Chhatrasal Stadium. Three FIRs followed, alleging offences including assaulting police and obstructing government work.

The wider dispute is about whether the roll-revision exercise could remove genuine electors. The article says demonstrations have taken place in several parts of the country. It also reports that the Supreme Court upheld the exercise’s legality in May but said the Election Commission cannot decide whether someone is an Indian citizen.

What is the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, and why has its implementation become controversial?

Special Intensive Revision, or SIR, is an exercise to review and update electoral rolls. Its purpose is to check voter records and produce an accurate list of eligible electors. The article says the exercise began in June 2025 and has prompted questions about how it is being carried out.

The controversy centres on its manner and pace. Critics worry that genuine electors could be left off the rolls. The article also reports that the Supreme Court upheld the exercise’s legality in May, while clarifying that this does not give the Election Commission power to decide whether a person is an Indian citizen.

The dispute has consequences beyond the rolls themselves. BJP-ruled states have cited SIR to deny ration cards to people removed from the lists. In some cases, police have denied permission for passports to be renewed. Demonstrations across the country are demanding accountability from the Chief Election Commissioner.

How could removing eligible voters from electoral rolls affect their right to vote and the outcome of elections?

An electoral roll determines who is registered to vote. If an eligible person is removed, that person may be unable to cast a ballot because their name is missing when voting is checked. The article identifies this as a central concern surrounding the Special Intensive Revision exercise.

The effect can be individual and collective. One removed voter loses a direct opportunity to participate. If many genuine electors are removed, turnout can fall in particular communities or groups. That may alter the balance of votes and potentially shape election outcomes, especially when contests are close.

The article reports that the SIR’s manner and pace have raised these fears. It also says BJP-ruled states have cited the exercise to deny ration cards to people removed from the rolls, while police have sometimes denied passport renewals. The Supreme Court upheld SIR’s legality but limited the Election Commission’s authority over citizenship decisions.

What constitutional role does the Election Commission of India play in maintaining accurate voter rolls and conducting free and fair elections?

The Election Commission of India is a constitutional authority responsible for supervising elections and preparing electoral rolls. Its role is to help ensure that eligible citizens can vote and that elections are conducted according to established rules. Accurate rolls are therefore central to public confidence in democratic elections.

Maintaining the rolls involves adding eligible voters, correcting records, and removing entries that should no longer remain. The process must also protect genuine electors from wrongful deletion. The article says the Special Intensive Revision has raised concerns that genuine voters could lose their right to vote and that election outcomes could be shaped.

The Supreme Court upheld the legality of SIR in May, but said the Election Commission cannot decide whether a person is an Indian citizen. That distinction matters. The controversy, and the protests demanding Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation, show why the Commission’s methods and decisions face close scrutiny.

Key Facts:

📌 Police stopped Opposition buses before they reached Jantar Mantar.

📌 Rahul Gandhi was taken to Barakhamba Road police station.

📌 Priyanka Gandhi Vadra was taken to Chhatrasal Stadium.

📌 At least three FIRs were filed against Rahul Gandhi.

📌 Priyanka Gandhi Vadra was named in the FIRs.

📌 The cases cite provisions of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita.

📌 An FIR formally records information about a suspected offence.