Delhi citizenship protests could be suspended as authorities ban large gatherings over coronavirus

After city authorities ban all gatherings of more than 50 people – except weddings – protest leaders tell Adam Withnall discussions are under way to decide if they will comply with the order

Protesters at Shaheen Bagh, Delhi, shout slogans against new citizenship laws on 16 February (Reuters)

The Indian capital Delhi has invoked colonial-era emergency laws to shut gyms, night clubs and spas and ban all gatherings of over 50 people, a move that could lead to the city’s months-long citizenship protests being suspended.

The city’s chief minister, Arvind Kejriwal, said on Monday afternoon that the order was effective immediately, and confirmed it would also apply to the large sit-in protests against Narendra Modi’s new citizenship laws that have been held non-stop in the eastern Shaheen Bagh neighbourhood since mid-December.

“[The ban] will be applicable for everyone, be it protest or any other gathering,” Mr Kejriwal told a news conference. The new order adds to the earlier closure of schools and cinemas, all until at least 31 March.