CJP gives Delhi Police 24 hours to set date for Jantar Mantar protest

New Delhi: Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) co-convenor Ashutosh Ranka on Monday gave the Delhi Police 24 hours to announce a date for the party’s proposed protest at Jantar Mantar, warning that it would decide its next course of action if the police failed to respond within the deadline.

Ranka, accompanied by fellow co-convenor Saurav Dass, visited the Parliament Street police station to seek permission and a date for the demonstration.

Ranka said Jantar Mantar was the designated venue for protests and asked the police to clarify when the party could hold its demonstration. He warned that the CJP would announce its next move if no decision was communicated within 24 hours.

The development comes amid tensions in the national capital over demonstrations seeking the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

The Delhi Police had refused permission for the CJP’s proposed October 10 protest at Jantar Mantar, citing the short notice provided by the organisers, alleged violations during earlier demonstrations, and concerns related to public safety, traffic management and law and order.

According to the police, the application was received on October 7, just three days before the planned demonstration, whereas the prescribed guidelines require requests to be submitted at least 10 days in advance.

The proposed protest was part of the party’s campaign demanding Kumar’s resignation over alleged irregularities in the SIR process.

Police also referred to previous demonstrations by the group, alleging that an earlier protest continued beyond the permitted duration and resulted in law-and-order concerns.

The reported continuation of detentions in Delhi following a Supreme Court order stating that peaceful, unarmed protesters cannot be detained except in accordance with the procedure established by law has prompted questions about the implementation of judicial directions and restrictions on public demonstrations.

Debates over protest rights and police action have arisen in earlier cases involving alleged misuse of legal provisions, questions over arrest procedures and delays in releasing individuals who had received relief from courts.

Critics argue that maintaining public order should not come at the expense of constitutionally protected personal liberty.

In significant orders issued in 2012 and 2018, the Supreme Court cautioned against the arbitrary use of prohibitory orders and blanket restrictions on demonstrations. Protesters in the present case have alleged that people were detained despite standing or walking peacefully, including individuals outside the New Delhi district covered by the original orders.