The Delhi Police have denied permission for the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) proposed protest at Jantar Mantar on October 10, citing short notice, non-compliance with directions during an earlier demonstration and concerns over law and order, public safety and traffic management.
The police have also proposed closing the entry and exit points of 57 metro stations from 9 p.m. on Friday until Saturday in view of the planned protest. The proposal has been sent to the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), and confirmation is awaited.
Addressing a press conference on Friday, Joint Commissioner of Police (New Delhi Range) Nupur Prasad said the police had received an application from Sourav Das, co-convenor of the CJP, seeking permission to hold a demonstration at Jantar Mantar demanding accountability from Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Prasad said the request had been submitted at short notice, whereas the prescribed guidelines required the police to receive such intimation at least 10 days before the proposed demonstration.
She added that the CJP had previously been granted permission to protest at the venue but had failed to comply with lawful directions and undertakings given during that demonstration.
“Therefore, due to the failure to follow the legal directions and their own undertakings, and considering the prevailing law-and-order situation, public safety and traffic regulation, permission has been rejected this time,” she said.
Prasad also said restrictions under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) were in force in the New Delhi area to maintain public order and safety. She warned that legal action would be taken against anyone found violating the provisions.
The proposed metro restrictions cover stations including Janpath, Patel Chowk, Supreme Court, ITO, Delhi Gate, Kashmere Gate, Rohini West, Welcome, Shalimar Bagh, Adarsh Nagar and Hauz Khas.
Police officials clarified that the proposal concerns entry and exit points, while interchange facilities may remain available to commuters.
The proposed measures are intended to regulate public movement, minimise traffic disruptions and maintain law and order in the capital amid preparations for the planned demonstration.
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