The Delhi High Court has refused to stop the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) from holding a demonstration at Central Park in Connaught Place on Friday, October 16, allowing the planned protest to go ahead.
A bench of Acting Chief Justice Nitin Wasudeo Sambre and Justice Sanjay Sharma said Delhi Police could take necessary steps to maintain order. The court recorded the police’s assurance that it would use all measures available under the law to regulate the gathering.
The protest, titled “Lehra Do Tiranga”, has been called by CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke and is scheduled to begin at 5 pm.
Street Vendor Raises Concern Over Business Disruption
The matter came before the court after a licensed street vendor in Connaught Place filed a petition seeking police action to regulate the protest under existing law.
The petitioner argued that another demonstration in central Delhi could affect traders and street vendors, particularly during the festive season. The lawyer said businesses could suffer further losses if restrictions disrupted commercial activity over the Dussehra weekend.
The petitioner also argued that Central Park was not an appropriate venue for the demonstration and urged the court to issue a specific order stopping it.
However, the bench declined to restrain the CJP. When the petitioner’s counsel pressed for a specific direction, the court said, “Don’t insist. We have passed the order.”
Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma, representing the authorities, told the court that steps had already been taken to regulate the protest and address the petitioner’s concerns.
Protest Follows Earlier Detentions in Delhi
The planned demonstration follows an earlier CJP protest on October 10 against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Hundreds of people attempting to reach the Jantar Mantar area were detained during that protest, according to reports.
Dipke has accused authorities of restricting demonstrations and removing students and young protesters from the streets. He has also alleged that Opposition leaders who joined the protests were detained.
The CJP founder has appealed to participants to carry the national flag during Friday’s demonstration. The Aam Aadmi Party has also announced support for the protest.
The CJP has linked its demonstrations to allegations of electoral irregularities and concerns about the Election Commission’s role. These allegations remain contested.
Security Arrangements Ahead of Demonstration
Police sources said heavy security arrangements were expected around Connaught Place and Jantar Mantar ahead of the protest, with paramilitary personnel deployed in the national capital.
The High Court’s decision leaves the demonstration free to proceed, while allowing police to take lawful steps to manage the gathering and maintain public order.
