Delhi Police has denied permission to the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) to hold a protest at Jantar Mantar on October 10, citing short notice, alleged violations of rules during previous demonstrations and prohibitory restrictions in New Delhi.
Addressing a press conference on Friday, Joint Commissioner of Police Nupur Prasad said the organisation had submitted its application too late. According to the police, the guidelines require protest organisers to submit their requests at least 10 days before the proposed event.
“CJP has not been granted permission to hold the protest scheduled for October 10," Delhi Police said.
Prasad said the application was submitted by Saurav Das, co-convener of the organisation, for a demonstration demanding accountability from the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC).
Police cite previous protest violations
Explaining the decision, Prasad alleged that the party had failed to comply with lawful directions and conditions during an earlier protest for which permission had been granted.
“We received a letter from CJP regarding the protest scheduled for the 10th. Their conduct during previous protests was not appropriate, and they did not follow the rules," Delhi Police said.
She said the latest application was rejected after considering the short notice, the organisation's alleged failure to honour its previous undertakings and the prevailing law-and-order situation.
“Therefore, because of not following the legal directions, their own undertaking, and the prevalent law and order situation, and to maintain public safety, law and order, and traffic regulation, this time the permission is rejected; it is not approved," she said.
Prasad also said Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) was in force in New Delhi, imposing preventive restrictions to maintain public order.
“It is further important to mention that if anybody violates the provisions of Section 163 of the BNSS, then proper legal action will be taken against them," she said.
Delhi Police proposes closure of 57 Metro stations
Ahead of the proposed demonstration, Delhi Police has proposed closing the entry and exit gates of 57 Metro stations from 9 pm on Friday, October 9, until the situation returns to normal. Interchange facilities are expected to remain operational, while the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) is yet to confirm the proposal.
Security has also been stepped up across the national capital, including on the Metro network and long-distance train services, with increased surveillance in central Delhi ahead of the October 10 protest.