New Delhi, Oct 12: Jantar Mantar has been de-notified as the “designated” protesting site, Delhi Police said on Monday.

New guidelines for protests have been issued under Delhi Police Standing Order No. L&O/48/2026.

According to the Delhi Police, the decision was taken based on the recommendations of a Home Ministry committee.

“Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, had constituted a Committee to examine alternative proper venues for citizens’ right for organising protest/demonstrations in place of the existing ‘designated site’,” read the official statement.

“Based on the Committee’s recommendations, Jantar Mantar as a protest venue has been de-notified,” it further read.

Three new locations in Delhi — Ramlila Ground, Burari Ground and East Delhi’s CBD Ground — have been designated for protests.

“Detailed and revised SOP for organising protest/demonstrations at these three venues will be issued separately. This is in partial modification of earlier Standing Order No. L&O/48/22 dated 28.04.2022,” the statement read.

This comes against the backdrop of the protests in the national capital against the Election Commission of India (ECI).

The announcement comes as the Congress-led INDIA bloc planned to march towards the Supreme Court to protest against the Election Commission and demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the SIR exercise.

Security deployment has also continued around Jantar Mantar, the designated protest site in the national capital.

Barricades were seen blocking access roads to the area on Sunday, while police personnel remained deployed at key intersections to regulate movement and prevent unauthorised gatherings.

Meanwhile, the Delhi Traffic Police has warned commuters of possible disruptions across New Delhi and central Delhi on Monday.

According to the advisory, restrictions or diversions may be imposed at around 30 locations to manage traffic and maintain security during the Opposition’s planned demonstration.

Several major roads and intersections are likely to be affected, including the Dhaula Kuan flyover, Jhandewalan, Patel Chowk, Panchkuian, Connaught Place, Mandi House, Lodhi Road flyover, Bhikaji Cama Place and Moti Bagh flyover.

Other stretches where commuters may face restrictions or delays include Jantar Mantar Road, Ashoka Road, Sansad Marg and Tolstoy Marg.

New Delhi, Oct 12: BJP Mahila Morcha workers on Monday staged a protest outside the Congress headquarters on Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Marg in New Delhi, over sexual harassment allegations against Congress MP and Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) professor Angomcha Bimol Akoijam.

The protesters raised slogans demanding justice for about a dozen female students who have levelled allegations against Akoijam. One of the slogans was, “JNU ki 11 betiyan nyay ki hakdaar betiyan” (JNU’s 11 daughters deserve justice).

Another slogan called on the Congress leadership to respond and take action against its MP. The protesters also staged demonstrations in Bengaluru, demanding action in the matter.

Earlier on Monday, Delhi Police registered a First Information Report (FIR) following a complaint lodged by JNU’s Chief Security Officer, days after the allegations surfaced.

According to officials, the FIR was registered at the Vasant Kunj North police station on Sunday, October 11, under Sections 75, 75(1)(i), 75(1)(iv) and 79 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Akoijam has been named in the FIR, and police are investigating the matter.

According to media reports, at least 11 female students filed sexual harassment complaints against Akoijam in May. The complaints alleged that he had invited students to his campus residence under the pretext of meetings or gatherings and attempted to sexually harass them. Some students also alleged that he made obscene and inappropriate remarks in the classroom.

The allegations were reportedly examined during an inquiry that preceded the university’s decision to dismiss him from his position.

On Sunday, the BJP also questioned the Congress leadership, particularly Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, over its alleged silence on the matter. The party asked whether Gandhi’s earlier “Smash the Patriarchy” remark was merely political rhetoric.

Addressing a press conference, BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj said, “Today, while we are worshipping Maa Shailputri, I am bringing a very serious issue concerning the daughters of this country before you. JNU has dismissed Congress MP Bimol Akoijam from his job over allegations of sexual misconduct. In 2024, not one or two, but 11 students filed sexual harassment complaints against him. JNU constituted an Internal Committee under the POSH Act, which, after a detailed probe, immediately dismissed Akoijam.”

Swaraj criticised the Congress leadership, including Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge and Sonia Gandhi, for not publicly commenting on the allegations.

“Is ‘Smash the Patriarchy’ only political rhetoric for you? It seems that this incident reflects the hypocrisy of the Congress. For them, feminism starts with a hashtag and ends when it comes to accountability,” she said.

Questioning the party’s position, Swaraj added, “Is women’s respect just restricted to being a slogan and not a policy of the Congress party?”

Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 12: The Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) will register two FIR in the controversial cases at the Vigilance Court here on Monday, naming former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and CPI(M) legislator and former Minister P.A. Mohammed Riyas as the first accused in separate cases.

The first case pertains to the CMRL-Exalogic monthly payments, in which Vijayan is the first accused. The second case involves the alleged corruption money received by Riyas, who was the tourism minister in the second LDF cabinet and is the husband of T. Veena, the daughter of Vijayan.

Veena is the second accused in both the cases.

The move follows a Kerala High Court single bench directive to register cases and conduct a full-fledged investigation into allegations arising from monthly payments made by the Cochin Minerals and Rutile Ltd (CMRL) to Exalogic Solutions, a company owned by Vijayan’s daughter, Veena, and alleged benefits extended to the company by those holding public office.

In the first case, relating to the CMRL-Exalogic transactions, Vijayan will be the first accused and Veena the second accused.

In the second case, Riyas will be the first accused and Veena the second accused.

The two FIRs will examine the distinct allegations against the accused and the circumstances surrounding the payments and alleged favours.

The High Court had directed the Vigilance to register cases on the basis of the Enforcement Directorate’s report instead of conducting a preliminary inquiry.

The order marks a significant step in the politically sensitive controversy, which has remained under investigation by Central agencies and has triggered a prolonged political confrontation in Kerala.

The court had also set aside the police chief’s order constituting a special investigation team without the government’s approval.

The government is expected to issue a fresh order appointing a special team recommended by the Vigilance Director, in accordance with the court’s observations on the authority to constitute such a team.

All relevant documents held by the Crime Branch have been handed over to the Vigilance.

The agency’s position is that prior sanction is not required to proceed with the investigation in view of the High Court’s specific direction.

Meanwhile, sources familiar with the developments said Vijayan is moving ahead with a petition before the High Court’s division bench later on Monday, challenging the single bench order.

His move could open a fresh legal battle over the scope and procedure of the Vigilance investigation.

The registration of the two FIRs is expected to intensify the political and legal ramifications of the CMRL-Exalogic case, with the investigation now required to establish whether the payments were linked to any undue official favours.