CJP’s October 16 Demonstration to Proceed at Connaught Place; Police to Regulate Law and Order
Husneara Choudhury:
— The Delhi High Court has declined to stop a protest planned by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) at Connaught Place on Friday, October 16, while recording assurances from Delhi Police that necessary steps would be taken to maintain law and order.
A division bench comprising Justices Nitin W. Sambre and Sanjay Sharma heard a petition filed by a licensed vendor operating in Connaught Place. The petitioner expressed concerns that a demonstration in the busy commercial district could disrupt business operations, affect street vendors’ livelihoods and cause financial losses, particularly during the festive season.
Appearing for the authorities, Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma told the court that steps had been taken to regulate the proposed demonstration and that appropriate action would be taken in accordance with the law if necessary. The court recorded the police’s assurances but declined to issue an order prohibiting the protest.
Protest Planned Over Alleged Electoral Irregularities
CJP founder Abhijit Deepke has called on supporters to assemble at Central Park in Connaught Place on Friday with the national flag. According to reports, the demonstration is intended to protest alleged electoral irregularities and police action against demonstrators.
Tensions escalated following an earlier protest on October 10. Opposition activity has continued in response to the police measures, with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) reportedly announcing its participation in the upcoming demonstration.
Earlier, two CJP members, Saurabh Das and Ashutosh Rankha, were detained after attempting to stage a protest at Jantar Mantar, which had been excluded from the list of designated protest venues. Reports said they were subsequently remanded to five days of judicial custody over allegations involving violations of peace-related bond conditions and trespassing.
Central Park Closure Adds to Uncertainty
Meanwhile, the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has announced that Central Park will remain closed to the public on October 16 and 17 for administrative reasons. It was not immediately clear whether the closure would also prevent protesters from entering the park.
The planned demonstration has raised questions about balancing the right to peaceful protest with public safety, commercial activity and the interests of local businesses.
Although the High Court declined to prohibit the demonstration, the responsibility for maintaining public order and addressing any disruption remains with the police and relevant authorities.
The key development: The court has not banned the planned protest. Delhi Police is expected to regulate the gathering and take appropriate measures to maintain law and order.
