Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Oct 9: Delhi Police has denied permission to the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) to hold a protest at Jantar Mantar on Saturday, October 10, citing short notice, alleged non-compliance with directions during an earlier demonstration and concerns over public safety, law and order and traffic management.
The proposed protest was aimed at demanding accountability from Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over allegations of “vote theft”. The decision comes as the national capital prepares for multiple demonstrations, with Delhi Police also seeking precautionary measures at 57 metro stations.
Joint Commissioner of Police Nupur Prasad said the New Delhi district received an application on October 7 from CJP co-convener Saurabh Das seeking permission for the proposed gathering. She said the prescribed guidelines require organisers to submit applications at least 10 days before a planned protest.
Prasad also alleged that CJP had failed to follow lawful directions and honour undertakings given during an earlier demonstration for which permission had been granted. Considering these issues and the prevailing law and order situation, the police rejected the request to ensure public safety and regulate traffic.
She further said Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) was in force in the New Delhi area, imposing preventive restrictions to maintain public order and safety. Prasad warned that violations of the provision would invite legal action.
In a separate development, Delhi Police has asked the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) to consider precautionary measures at 57 metro stations ahead of the planned demonstrations. The request includes the possible closure of entry and exit gates at identified stations and a reduction in train frequency wherever necessary.
According to the police communication, the proposed measures are intended to prevent unruly crowd movement towards sensitive locations in the New Delhi district. The restrictions have been proposed from 9 pm on Friday and would continue on October 10 until the situation returns to normal.
However, the communication is a request from Delhi Police and does not confirm that DMRC has approved or implemented the proposed closures or changes to metro services.
CJP had announced a youth-led protest at Jantar Mantar on October 10 over alleged “vote theft” and the accountability of the Chief Election Commissioner. With permission denied for the proposed gathering, authorities are preparing additional measures to manage crowds, maintain traffic flow and enforce restrictions across the district.