CJP Demands Protest Date from Delhi Police Within 24 Hours
The Cockroach Janata Party presses for a date to hold a protest at Jantar Mantar, threatening further action if not provided.
CJP's protest at Jantar Mantar was denied by Delhi Police due to short notice.
The party has given police a 24-hour ultimatum to provide a new date for the protest.
Security measures in Delhi included the deployment of 41,000 personnel to prevent protests.
The Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) has issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the Delhi Police, demanding a date for their proposed protest at Jantar Mantar, originally scheduled for October 10. Co-convener Ashutosh Ranka, along with fellow co-convener Saurav Dass, visited the Parliament Street police station to press for a response, warning that they would announce their next steps if no date is provided within the deadline.
The police denied permission for the protest, citing the short notice given by the organizers, as they submitted their request only three days prior to the planned demonstration. According to police guidelines, applications for protests must be submitted at least ten days in advance. The CJP aimed to address concerns over alleged irregularities in the electoral roll revision process and called for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Ranka emphasized the importance of Jantar Mantar as a designated protest site, stating, "Where should I carry out our protest? They should tell us in the next 24 hours how we can proceed with the protest. Otherwise, we will give our next call." This demand comes amid rising tensions in Delhi, where protests have been organized against Kumar's alleged mishandling of the electoral process.
The police's refusal to grant permission also stemmed from concerns over public safety and previous demonstrations that reportedly exceeded their permitted time, leading to law and order issues. The police had previously detained CJP leaders on October 10 as part of a broader security operation that saw 41,000 personnel deployed across the city to prevent protests. Critics have raised concerns about the enforcement of judicial orders regarding peaceful protests, particularly following a Supreme Court ruling that prohibits the detention of unarmed protesters without due process.
Looking ahead, the CJP is awaiting a response from the Delhi Police regarding their protest date. If the police fail to provide a satisfactory answer within the stipulated time, the party has indicated it will escalate its actions, potentially leading to further protests and heightened tensions in the capital.
