In response to a planned protest call by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) against alleged electoral fraud, the Delhi Police announced on Thursday that it will only facilitate a group of up to 11 individuals to carry the national flag and sing the national anthem at a suitable location.
The police have strongly appealed to the general public not to join the assembly scheduled for 5:00 PM on Friday, October 16, at Central Park, Connaught Place, warning that strict legal action will be taken against violators under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).
Background and High Court Proceedings
The police directive comes hours after the Delhi High Court declined a vendor’s petition seeking to completely restrain the CJP from holding the protest in central Delhi. Instead, the bench—comprising Acting Chief Justice Nitin Wasudeo Sambre and Justice Sanjay Sharma—took on record an assurance from the police that they would take all possible measures under the law to “regulate” the gathering.
Traders and market associations had expressed severe anxiety over potential disruptions during the peak festive Dussehra weekend, warning that repeated closures and protests in central Delhi heavily impact business.
Key Reasons Cited by Delhi Police
During a press conference, Deputy Commissioner of Police Neha Yadav and official statements highlighted several factors restricting the protest:
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Park Closure: The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) informed the police that Central Park will remain officially closed on October 16 and 17 for administrative reasons.
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Prohibitory Orders: Section 163 BNSS orders remain strictly enforced across Connaught Place and surrounding areas.
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Security and Public Safety: Authorities cited ongoing law and order concerns, noting that the Aam Kisan/Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and other student groups had also urged citizens to join the mobilization in large numbers.
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Protocol on National Symbols: The police noted that carrying and displaying the national flag (tiranga) and singing the national anthem must strictly adhere to prescribed decorum and dignity.
Tensions and Broader Political Context
CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke, who urged the public to gather at Central Park with the national flag, criticized the administration’s crackdown. The protests follow a series of recent demonstrations—including an October 10 protest at Jantar Mantar that led to numerous detentions and the jailing of CJP members Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka on trespass charges.
Meanwhile, the political climate remains heightened following Supreme Court notices issued on Thursday to the Election Commission and top election officials over petitions filed by Rahul Gandhi and other INDIA bloc leaders concerning the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
