The Delhi Police on Friday announced that no permission has been granted to the pressure group Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) for its proposed demonstration at Jantar Mantar on Saturday, October 10. The agitation was called by the group to demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar.
Addressing a press conference, Joint Commissioner of Delhi Police Nupur Prasad stated that the intimation submitted by CJP co-convener Saurav Das on Wednesday was received on extremely short notice and failed to comply with statutory guidelines.
Guidelines Require 10-Day Advance Intimation
Law enforcement authorities emphasized that standard operational procedures mandate a minimum notice period for conducting public demonstrations in central administrative zones.
“We received an application from Saurav Das, co-convener of Cockroach Janta Party… regarding an intimation for a protest on 10th October at Jantar Mantar regarding the accountability of the CEC. This intimation was considered, and it was found that it was given in a very short span of time, whereas as per the prescribed guideline, the intimation has to be received 10 days prior to the planned protest,” Joint CP Nupur Prasad said.
Prior Violations and Law & Order Concerns
In addition to procedural delays, police officials cited past non-compliance by the organization during previous gatherings at the site as a key factor in the rejection.
“Because of not following 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,” Prasad added.
Security Grid and Transport Restrictions In Effect
Despite the refusal of official permission, security forces have implemented extensive precautionary measures across the national capital:
- Prohibitory Orders: Prohibitory orders banning unauthorized public assemblies remain strictly enforced across the New Delhi district.
- Metro Restrictions: Delhi Police has requested the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) to restrict entry and exit access across 57 stations starting Friday night.
- Rail Operations: Indian Railways has ordered a 10-hour restriction on incoming Mail/Express trains to New Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin terminals on Saturday morning.
- Barricading: Heavy security barricading and checkpoint screening have been erected along Jantar Mantar, Tolstoy Marg, and Janpath areas.
Authorities continue to urge the public to adhere to law and order guidelines and avoid gathering at restricted sites.
