CEC row LIVE: Abhijeet Dipke granted conditional bail by Delhi SEM Court
Amid the ongoing protests against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke has been granted conditional bail by the Special Executive Magistrate Court in Delhi. As per reports, he has been asked to sign another peace bond.
Meanwhile, All India Students' Association (AISA) president Neha Bora was released early morning the same day.
Both Dipke and Bora were taken into preventive custody ahead of the 'Lehra Do Tiranga' protest march at Connaught Place.
The national capital is under full security as the protests intensify for the resignation of CEC Gyanesh Kumar.
Key Updates
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Dipke arrives at residence of NCP (SP) spokesperson Gawande
After being released, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke has arrived at the residence of Anish Gawande, the national spokesperson of Nationalist Congress Party – Sharadchandra Pawar [NCP (SP)], as per soruces.
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Dipke granted conbditional bail; to be released shortly
CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke has been granted conditional bail by the Delhi SEM Court. Due to be released shortly, he has been asked to sign another peace bond, as per reports.
News Alert! Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke granted conditional bail, asked to sign peace bond: Police sources. https://t.co/nr5KPUou7B
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) October 17, 2026 -
NOC granted to Congress for the rally at the Ramlila Ground: Delhi Police
DCP Central Delhi Police Rohit Rajbir Singh said on Saturday that a No-Objection-Certificate (NOC) has been granted to the Congress party for a rally at the Ramlila Ground.
#WATCH | Delhi | No Objection Certificate granted to Congress for the rally at the Ramlila Ground DCP Central Delhi Police Rohit Rajbir Singh says, "As you know, Ramlila Maidan, CBD Ground and Burari Ground have been designated as demonstration sites...With respect to this, the Congress party approached the MCD to check the availability of the venue. The MCD stated that the venue would be available from October 25 to November 3. After receiving the venue availability certificate, the Congress party approached us...After interacting with them and understanding the security arrangements required, we decided to grant them the No Objection Certificate (NOC). We issued it today. They will now take the certificate back to the MCD, which is the owning agency responsible for the land, and then begin their preparations. The ground will be booked from October 25 to November 3. Any other stakeholder or organiser who wants to book the ground may also follow the same process..."
— ANI (@ANI) October 17, 2026 -
Dipke, Das and Ranka first Indians after 1947 to be jailed for unfurling the national flag: CJP
The CJP on Saturday said in a post on X that Abhijeet Dipke, Ashutosh Ranka and Saurav Das will go down as the first Indians after 1947 to be jailed for unfurling the national flag.
Abhijeet, Ashu & Saurav will go down as the first Indians after 1947 to be jailed for unfurling the national flag 🇮🇳 Our youth has shown remarkable courage in the face of a govt that has only contempt for it. By doing so, the country has been awakened. https://t.co/DTZuUzUR0i
— Cockroach Janta Party - CJP (@Cockroachisback) October 17, 2026 -
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BJD has always supported Gen Z: Sujata Rout
Throwing her party's weight behind youth-led demonstrations, Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader Sujata Rout has said that waving the Tricolour is a democratic right and "not a crime", reiterating the party's commitment to supporting non-violent and peaceful protests across the country.
Speaking to reporters on the right to demonstrate, the BJD leader emphasised the party's backing for democratic and non-violent expressions of dissent.
"The BJD has always stood with Gen Z. I believe that waving or hoisting the Tricolour is not a crime in India. Therefore, we strongly support any form of protest that is non-violent and peaceful," Rout said.
-ANI
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Hearing on Dipke's arrest delayed: CJP legal head Ratna Singh
CJP legal head Ratna Singh alleged in a post on X on Saturday that the hearing on Dipke's arrest has been delayed at the SEM Court in Delhi.
The hearing was supposed to happen at 12PM.It’s 3:38PM and no sign of it.If this isn’t deliberate then what is? Release Saurav, Ashutosh and Abhijeet along with other detainees. You can’t take away people’s liberty by delaying the entire process.
— Ratna Singh (@whattalawyer) October 17, 2026 -
Dipke produced before Special Executive Magistrate court in Delhi
CJP leader Abhijeet Dipke has been produced before Special Executive Magistrate court in Delhi, with tight security being deployed at the Mandir Marg police station.
VIDEO | Delhi: CJP leader Abhijeet Dipke produced before Special Executive Magistrate court. Tight security at Mandir Marg Police Station.#DelhiNews #CJP #AbhijeetDipke(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/d8jp61yd2p) https://t.co/gU4eiWR2eJ
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) October 17, 2026 -
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Abhijeet Dipke brought to police station
CJP leader Abhijeet Dipke has been brought to Mandir Marg police station.
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Congress MP Jebi Mather questions Amit Shah's remarks on student protests
Congress Rajya Sabha MP Jebi Mather criticised Union Home Minister Amit Shah's response to student protests in the national capital, while also reiterating the Opposition’s demand for CEC Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation.
Reacting to Shah’s congratulatory message to ABVP workers following victories at various universities across multiple states, Mather questioned the characterisation of opposing student groups as forces spreading falsehoods and chaos.
“Is the Home Minister trying to say that all those young students who came holding the Indian flag, brimming with patriotism in their minds and hearts, are anti-national or are creating chaos? This is an attack on the basic rights of students,” she told ANI.
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Moral responsibility of Gyanesh Kumar to step down: Congress' Anand Sharma expresses faith in SC
Former Union Minister and senior Congress leader Anand Sharma, on Saturday, called for CEC Gyanesh Kumar to take moral responsibility for the alleged deletion of lakhs of voters’ names from electoral rolls, expressing confidence that the Supreme Court would protect citizens’ voting rights. - ANI
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Government is in perfect governance: MP Suresh Gopi
Speaking to ANI about the ongoing CJP protests, BJP Lok Sabha MP Suresh Gopi said the government is not running a business and is running perfectly.
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We have already supported CJP: DMK MP Kanimozhi
DMK MP and Deputy General secretary Kanimozhi on Saturday said that her party had extended support to the CJP when its leaders were arrested, adding that she had attended a protest in Chennai to convey the party's support.
Speaking to reporters, she said, "We have already supported the CJP when the leaders were arrested, and I went to the protest that was happening in Chennai yesterday to reach out to them and say that we are standing with them on behalf of the leader and the party."
Kanimozhi's remarks come after the parliamentary party adopted a resolution demanding the immediate removal of CEC Gyanesh Kumar from office. - ANI
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CJP legal team arrive at Mandir Marg station
CJP's legal team, including advocates Ratna Singh and Pushp Sharma, have arrived outside Mandir Marg police station in New Delhi after it was reported that he will be brought to a SEM court.
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Women's groups hold protest march to Delhi Police headquarters
Several women's organisations, including the All India Democratic Women's Association (AIDWA), the National Federation of Indian Women (NFIW), the All India Progressive Women's Association (AIPWA) and ALIFA, on Saturday held a joint protest march towards the Delhi Police headquarters against alleged sexual violence and police brutality against women during recent protests against CEC Gyanesh Kumar over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.- ANI
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Gyanesh Kumar must be removed: DMK passes resolution demanding CEC's ouster
The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) Parliamentary Party on Saturday adopted a resolution demanding the immediate removal of CEC Gyanesh Kumar from office and an inquiry into his conduct, accusing him of spearheading the systematic disenfranchisement of legitimate voters through the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise.
The resolution was among four adopted at a meeting of DMK Members of Parliament held at the Murasoli Maran Meeting Hall at the party headquarters, Anna Arivalayam, under the leadership of DMK President and former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin.- ANI
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Manipur needed this much security: Mamata-TMC over police deployment in Delhi
TMC MLA Kunal Ghosh, aligned with the party's Mamata Banerjee faction, questioned the huge deployment of security to quell anti-SIR protests in Delhi, asking why as many personnel were not deployed in Manipur that has been afflicted by ethnic violence for more than three years.
Responding to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's accusation that the opposition was seeking a regime change along the lines of Bangladesh and using the energy of youth to spread "anarchy", Ghosh hit back, saying the deployment of security at strength against young protesters reflected the government's inability to answer their questions.
"We do not support anarchy. But when the new generation raises questions on an issue, it is your responsibility to convince them," the Mamata-TMC spokesperson said.
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'Want to topple govt, but not through democratic means': CM Fadnavis
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday accused the opposition of seeking to "topple" the Union government outside the democratic process, saying its opposition to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls was a pretext for a “regime change”.
In a post on X, Fadnavis said, “Since there is no remote possibility of them getting elected through the votes of eligible voters in a democratic manner, the ‘truth’ finally slipped out. Their plot to seize power by creating anarchy in the country has been exposed!”
लोकशाही मार्गाने पात्र मतदारांच्या मताच्या माध्यमातून निवडून येण्याची शक्यता दूरदूरपर्यंत दिसत नसल्याने त्यांच्या तोंडून ते 'सत्य’ बाहेर आलं. देशात अराजकता माजवून सत्ता मिळवण्याचा त्यांचा डाव अखेर उघड झाला!▪️त्यांना SIR का नकोय? कारण त्यांना ‘रेजीम’ बदलायचीय▪️निवडणुकीच्या माध्यमातून सत्तेवर येण्याची शक्यता नसल्यामुळेच ‘रेजीम’ बदलण्याची भाषा!▪️सत्ता उलथून टाकायचीय, पण लोकशाही मार्गाने नव्हे!▪️SIRला विरोध हे फक्त निमित्त. खरा विरोध आहे तो लोकशाहीला▪️खरा विरोध आहे तुमच्या आमच्या पात्र मतांना▪️आता आपल्याला ठरवायचंय, लोकशाही हवी की ‘रेजीम’ बदलण्याची भाषा करणारे?▪️लोकशाहीसाठी SIR शिवाय पर्याय नाहीच!#Maharashtra #SIR #ElectionCommission
— Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) October 17, 2026 -
Prakash Raj reacts to 'Lehra Do Tiranga' arrests
Actor Prakash Raj shared a video mocking the government asking why arrests are going on when the prime minsister himself was the one who launched the 'Har Ghar Tiranga' campaign.
He also took a jab at the ongoing "regime change" war, where he said a change in power can be demanded if votes are stolen, shading the ongoing 'vote chori' allegations against CEC Gyanesh Kumar.
Fraaand .. why are you arresting youth for waving our National Flag #HarGharTiranga #justasking https://t.co/Rvfj5IUdEY
— Prakash Raj (@prakashraaj) October 17, 2026 -
'Time to go': Kapil Sibal jabs Rajnath on 'regime change' charge
Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal on Saturday hit back at Union minister Rajnath Singh over his “regime change” charge against the Congress, saying it is the people who want a regime change, and that it is “time to go” for this government.
Sibal's remarks came a day after Singh lashed out at the Congress and its allies over the protests in the national capital against alleged electoral irregularities, accusing them of seeking a regime change on the lines of Bangladesh and using the energy of youth to spread “anarchy”.
Addressing a presser in Lucknow, Singh said democracy does not give anyone the licence to create disorder or undermine the credibility of constitutional institutions.
In a post on X, Sibal said, “Rajnath Singh: You allege that Congress wants 'regime change' the Bangladesh route. No. People want 'regime change. '
Rajnath Singh :You allege that Congress wants “regime change” the Bangladesh route No. People want “regime change”Protests with slogan “India against corruption” brought you powerThen :You embraced corruption Captured institutions Manipulated voters listTime to go !
— Kapil Sibal (@KapilSibal) October 17, 2026 -
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RSS chief to interact with Gen-Z 'swayamsevaks' during three-day MP visit
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat will interact with college-going volunteers during a three-day visit to Madhya Pradesh's Jabalpur starting October 24, as the organisation ramps up youth outreach in the region.
Bhagwat is scheduled to address a camp for Gen-Z "swayamsevaks" from the Mahakoshal Prant on October 25, followed by key meetings with local office-bearers and provincial executive teams, RSS Prant publicity chief Vinod Kumar told PTI on Saturday.- PTI
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Union Minister Piyush Goyal takes a dig at CJP during Navaratri celebrations
Speaking to ANI, Union Minister of Commerce, Piyush Goyal said looking at the crowd playing garba "This is the real GenZ, ot the 50-100 people who are troublemakers and spread chaos."
#WATCH | Mumbai, Maharashtra: Union Minister Piyush Goyal says, "...See the celebrations, this is the youth of the nation. The energy of the youth defines India...This is the real Gen Z, not the 50-100 people who are troublemakers and spread chaos; they cannot give direction to the nation...They will play a big role in making the nation, a superpower"
— ANI (@ANI) October 16, 2026 -
Prakash Raj vows nationwide protests
Actor-activist Prakash Raj has asserted that peaceful nationwide protests against CEC Gyanesh Kumar and the SIR of electoral rolls would persist despite attempts to "suppress" them.- PTI
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Dipke booked for breaching peace bond
The Delhi Police placed CJP leader Abhijeet Dipke under preventive arrest after detaining him ahead of the Tiranga rally in Delhi on Friday.
According to the police, Dipke is facing charges for allegedly breaching a peace bond he signed on October 11. Under the terms of the bond, the CJP founder was required to maintain peace for one year.
The police will raise the alleged violation of the peace bond when producing Dipke before the Special Executive Magistrate (SEM) court.
If the court remands him to judicial custody, Dipke would become the third key CJP leader to be jailed over protests against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar.
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Neha Bora released after overnight detention, says 'citizens treated like hardened criminals'
All India Students' Association (AISA) National President Neha Bora, who was detained by Delhi Police on the evening of October 16, was released after completion of formal procedures under Section 65 of the Delhi Police Act, following which she questioned the police action and alleged that ordinary citizens were being treated like hardened criminals.
After her release, Bora alleged that detainees were being kept in custody throughout the night and released only the following morning or evening, questioning the legal basis for such action.- ANI
#WATCH | Delhi: AISA National President Neha Bora says, "Law and order are being flouted in every possible way. Ordinary citizens are treated as if they were hardened criminals, a practice that has persisted in this country for a long time. The current movement has clearly exposed how people are being detained, whether during the day or in the evening, held in custody throughout the night, and only released the following morning or evening. Under what authority is this justified? By what law or order is it permissible to keep detainees held in custody all night long? Legally, individuals, especially women, ought to be released after sunset, yet this is not happening. Furthermore, there is a new narrative being pushed, one of chaos and anarchy. What kind of chaos and anarchy? The one you unleashed in Central Delhi? The people of Delhi cannot even breathe a sigh of relief; whichever route they take to get to work, they find it blocked. You are spreading chaos and anarchy across the nation. Please, spare the people of India. Impeach Gyanesh Kumar and halt SIR, so that the ordinary citizens of this country can breathe a sigh of relief, feel at ease, and have their voting rights ensured."She adds, "They (Police) demanded my name, address, and other details. For a long time, they wouldn't even let me speak or consult with a legal advisor (lawyer). Our lawyers spent 5–6 hours trying to reach me; it was only after we managed to call them that they were finally allowed to meet me. These are the kinds of things these people have been doing for a long time."
— ANI (@ANI) October 17, 2026 -
CJP lawyer says Dipke's whereabouts still unknown
CJP lawyer Ratna Singh confirmed Abhijeet Dipke will be produced before the SEM court. She also stated that the legal team is still unable to contact Dipke and his whereabouts are unknown.
Abhijeet is arrested & will be produced before SEM court.His location still unknown, lawyers haven’t met.
— Ratna Singh (@whattalawyer) October 17, 2026 -
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Dhruv Rathee reaches London, plans to hold protest tomorrow
YouTuber Dhruv Rathee confirmed he reached London to take part in protests over there against the CEC Gyanesh Kumar and SIR row.
He tweeted that it is time to take the game to an international level, urging Indians to gather at Mahatma Gandhi’s statue in Parliament Square, Westminster at 12 pm tomorrow.
I’ve just reached LondonIt’s time the world sees the reality of vote chor and murderer of democracy.International danka bajane ka time aa gaya haiJoin the protest tomorrow in front of Mahatma Gandhi’s statue in parliament square at 12pm if you’re here Jai Hind 🇮🇳
— Dhruv Rathee (@dhruv_rathee) October 16, 2026 -
INDIA bloc to hold protest in Bengaluru against SIR on November 5
The INDIA bloc in Karnataka will hold a protest against the SIR exercise and demanding the resignation of CEC Gyanesh Kumar on November 5, KPCC president B K Hariprasad said on Friday.
The decision was taken at a state-level meeting of alliance partners chaired by Hariprasad at the Legislators' Home to discuss the SIR process, alleged deletion of eligible voters' names, discrepancies in electoral rolls and the functioning of the Election Commission.- PTI
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Neha Bora released, Abhijeet Dipke to be produced before SEM court: Delhi Police
All India Students' Association (AISA) president Neha Bora was released early Saturday morning, while Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke will be produced before the SEM court, Delhi Police said.
Both were taken into preventive custody ahead of the 'Lehra Do Tiranga' protest march at Connaught Place here on Friday.- PTI
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Indian diaspora in London stages counter-protest in support of PM Modi
Members of the Indian diaspora in London staged a counter-protest in support of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday (local time), opposing demonstrations by the Congress-backed National Students' Union of India (NSUI) and other like-minded groups outside the Indian High Commission.
Meanwhile, in India, protesters took out a Tiranga rally outside Central Park in Connaught Place amid heightened security on Friday. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) workers and supporters also gathered to stage a Tiranga rally, directing their protest against the Election Commission over alleged institutional irregularities.- ANI -
Neha Bora released after 14 hours in police detention
AISA activist Neha Bora has been released after 14 hours in police detention. The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), AISA and other activists had earlier alleged that they did not know her whereabouts following her detention.
CEC row: CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke granted conditional bail
As per reports, Dipke has been asked to sign another peace bond.
Ladakh: Union government amends Hill Development Council rules
The changes update council membership, election procedures and administrative terminology, while empowering the Ladakh administration to determine the number of elected seats in each council.
ED pastes summons at Pinarayi Vijayan’s residence in CMRL case
The agency asks the former Keralam chief minister to appear for questioning on October 23 over alleged money laundering.