Delhi Police deny permission for CJP’s October 10 protest at Jantar Mantar, impose prohibitory orders

Delhi Police on Friday, October 9, denied permission for the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) proposed protest at Jantar Mantar on October 10. Prohibitory orders have also been imposed in the New Delhi district.

Joint Commissioner of Police Nupur Prasad said the New Delhi district received an application on October 7 from Saurabh Das, co-convener of the CJP. Police cited three reasons for the denial: the short notice, alleged non-compliance with directions during an earlier demonstration, and concerns over public safety, law and order and traffic management.

Prasad also said Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) is in force in the New Delhi area. Police have warned of action against violations.

Over 20,000 police and paramilitary personnel have been called on duty across the capital. Delhi Police have also asked the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) to consider closing entry and exit gates at 57 stations from 9 pm on Friday. The list includes Rajiv Chowk, Central Secretariat, Patel Chowk, Janpath, New Delhi, Mandi House, ITO and Supreme Court.

The CJP has called the protest over alleged “vote theft” and to demand the accountability of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Party leader Abhijeet Dipke has said the protest will be peaceful.

The CJP’s is not the only protest planned in the district on Saturday. The Delhi High Court on Friday declined to urgently list a petition by the Indian Youth Congress (IYC) against the police’s refusal to allow its own protest against Kumar at Jantar Mantar. The IYC’s petition, filed by national president Uday Bhanu Chib, challenges a police order dated October 1. The court will hear it on Monday.