Delhi on edge: Gandhi detained at Election Commission protest as Gymkhana Club case sees judicial recusal

Delhi witnessed one of its most dramatic political confrontations in recent years as Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was detained by police while leading an INDIA bloc march to the Election Commission demanding the resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner. The same day, the Delhi High Court saw a significant judicial recusal in the long-running Gymkhana Club eviction case, while multiple building collapses in the Seemapuri area added to the day urgency.

🗳️ Gandhi detained in high-voltage Election Commission protest

Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi was forcibly removed by Delhi police on Tuesday evening during an INDIA bloc protest demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, BBC reported. Gandhi, his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and other MPs spent the entire day sitting in protest after police stopped their march toward the Election Commission office. Videos showing officers forcing Gandhi onto a bus and Gandhi attempting to climb out through the window spread widely on social media. The opposition accuses the CEC of revising electoral rolls in a manner that benefits the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, allegations both the BJP and the commission have denied. Gandhi told reporters that the opposition simply wanted to meet the commissioners and ask questions about voter roll revisions. The police cited the need to maintain law and order as justification for removing the protesters. An FIR was also registered against the Gandhis for entering Akashvani Bhavan, the national broadcasting house, without permission, according to PTI. The Election Commission said it was willing to meet the opposition but objected to their proposed 240-member delegation convening at the parliament building. [2]

🗳️ Delhi HC judge recuses from Gymkhana Club eviction case

Delhi High Court Justice Prateek Jalan on October 7, 2026 recused himself from hearing a plea filed by the Delhi Gymkhana Club Staff Welfare Association, which challenged the Central government move to evict the historic club from its Lutyens Delhi premises, Bar and Bench reported. Justice Jalan disclosed that he is a member of the club and therefore felt it would be inappropriate for him to adjudicate the matter. I would be more comfortable if somebody else hears this, he said in court. The case concerns the Central government effort to reclaim a 27.3-acre plot on Safdarjung Road, where the Gymkhana Club has operated for decades. The staff welfare association had filed its plea to challenge the eviction notice issued by the government. With Justice Jalan stepping aside, the case is to be assigned to a different bench. The Delhi Gymkhana Club, one of the most prestigious private members clubs in the capital, has been at the center of a protracted legal dispute over its occupation of prime government-owned land in central Delhi. [8]

Sources: [2] BBC · [8] Bar and Bench