New Delhi: Delhi Police has cited the possibility of “serious” law and order concerns and inconvenience to residents and citizens to deny permission to the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) for its proposed protest at Jantar Mantar on October 10.
In a letter addressed to the party’s co-convenor Saurav Das and joint secretary Balkrishna, the Deputy Commissioner of Police, New Delhi district, said granting permission for the demonstration could lead to serious law-and-order issues.
“In the larger public interest, the permission sought cannot be granted and is hereby denied,” the letter stated.
The Joint Commissioner said the decision to deny permission was taken in view of the party’s previous failure to adhere to Delhi Police guidelines and its own undertakings, as well as the prevailing law-and-order situation, public safety concerns and traffic regulations in the New Delhi area.
Ms Prasad further stated that prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita are currently in force in the area, imposing necessary restrictions to maintain public safety and law and order. The Joint Commissioner warned that Delhi Police will take appropriate legal action against anyone found violating the law.
Delhi Police said the proposed gathering was being planned without the requisite permission. It added that the Supreme Court had also emphasised the importance of complying with the applicable legal requirements governing public demonstrations. It also stressed that organisers must inform participants about the applicable legal requirements and the consequences of taking part in an unauthorised gathering.
The police said the restrictions being implemented are temporary and precautionary, aimed at preventing overcrowding, maintaining public order and ensuring the safety of protesters, residents and commuters. It also said that people should be able to raise their concerns peacefully and that its responsibility is to create conditions in which they can do so safely while ensuring that the city continues to function normally.
Meanwhile, security arrangements have been strengthened across the national capital. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has announced that entry and exit facilities at 45 metro stations will remain closed till 6 this evening for security reasons. The situation will be reviewed by security agencies, and further updates will be issued accordingly.
The affected stations include Janpath, Patel Chowk, Central Secretariat, Lok Kalyan Marg, Rajiv Chowk, New Delhi, Seva Teerth and Mandi House. Interchange facilities will remain available at the affected stations, except at New Delhi Metro Station.
Namo Bharat train services between Sarai Kale Khan and New Ashok Nagar stations in Delhi will remain suspended till 10 PM tonight. During this period, services between Anand Vihar station in Delhi and Modipuram station in Uttar Pradesh will continue to operate as per schedule. Passengers have been advised to plan their journeys accordingly.
DCP Railway B. Bharat Reddy has said special security arrangements involving have been made at railway stations to maintain law and order in Delhi in view of the proposed protest. He said 334 Government Railway Police personnel, including around 120 women personnel, had been deployed across Delhi’s seven major railway stations. A request has also been made for the deployment of Central Armed Police Forces companies at railway stations.
Furthermore, Delhi Traffic Police has also issued an advisory announcing possible traffic diversions today in various parts of the National Capital, depending on the prevailing situation. The advisory states that traffic movement may be affected at several stretches, including the roundabout at Shankar Road-Vande Mataram ‘T’ Point towards New Delhi, Mataram Marg, Jhandewalan, Panchkuian Marg, Mandi House, Ashoka Road to Jantar Mantar Road, Windsor Palace and Tolstoy to Janpath Crossing. Commuters have been advised to plan their journeys in advance and avoid non-essential travel.
Delhi Police has reiterated that the restrictions are intended to maintain public order and ensure public safety while allowing people to express their concerns peacefully within the framework of the law.
