Agencies | New Delhi:
Delhi Police have denied permission to the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) to hold a protest at Jantar Mantar on October 10, citing short notice, alleged violations of conditions imposed during an earlier demonstration and prevailing law-and-order concerns.
Addressing a press conference on Friday, Joint Commissioner of Police Nupur Prasad said the organisation had submitted its application shortly before the proposed protest, whereas the prescribed guidelines require requests to be made at least 10 days in advance.
Prasad said police had received an application from Saurav Das, co-convener of the CJP, seeking permission to hold a demonstration concerning accountability of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC).
Explaining the decision, she alleged that the party had failed to comply with lawful directions and its own undertakings during an earlier protest for which permission had been granted.
“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,” Prasad said.
She also referred to restrictions in force in the New Delhi area under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), warning that violations could invite legal action.
Meanwhile, security arrangements have been stepped up across the national capital ahead of the proposed demonstration, with heightened attention to central Delhi, public transport and railway services.
Delhi Police have also 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 would remain operational, according to the police. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) had not confirmed the proposal at the time of reporting.
The proposed protest was planned for October 10 at Jantar Mantar, with the organisers seeking accountability from the Chief Election Commissioner. Police have cited public safety, traffic management and the prevailing law-and-order situation as reasons for refusing permission.
