Bombay High Court Refuses Blanket Ban on Police Detentions Amid CEC Protests

On October 13, 2026, the Bombay High Court ruled that it would not issue a blanket order prohibiting police detentions of individuals demonstrating against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The division bench, comprising Chief Justice Mahesh Chandra Tripathi and Justice Advait Sethna, heard a petition alleging that Mumbai police detained hundreds of peaceful demonstrators on October 10 and October 11. The court adjourned the matter, directing the petitioner to submit specific instances of alleged illegal detention and scheduling a further hearing for October 19.

The Hindu

Protests erupted in Mumbai on October 10-11 as citizens marched in solidarity with demonstrations in the national capital over concerns about the Election Commission’s handling of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise, which began in June 2025. Critics argue the SIR could disenfranchise voters and influence election outcomes. The petition seeks protection of fundamental rights, emphasizing the constitutional guarantee of peaceful assembly.

Telegraph India

• Detentions claimed: approximately 600 persons on October 10 and 300 persons on October 11.

The Hindu

• Groups detained: women, mothers with minor children, students, and passers-by whose names appeared in FIRs related to the July 2026 protests that the Supreme Court later quashed.

The Hindu

• The petition, filed by advocate Sagar Kantilal Devre, requests preservation of CCTV footage, police records, and a list of those detained, as well as an inquiry into the use of force.

The Hindu

• The court instructed the petitioner to “bring everything on record,” noting that it cannot categorically ban all detentions but will act on specific illegal instances.

The Hindu

• Government Pleader Manish Upadhye asked for time to obtain instructions from relevant authorities before responding to the allegations.

Bombay HC refuses blanket curb on police detentions over CEC protests

• “We will take care of the issue but we will not permit this,” — Chief Justice Mahesh Chandra Tripathi, bench comprised chief

The Hindu

The bench has set a further hearing for October 19, at which the petitioner must present concrete examples of unlawful detention for the court to consider any remedial order.

Bombay HC refuses blanket curb on police detentions over CEC protests