Delhi Police denies permission for Cockroach Janta Party protest at Jantar Mantar

New Delhi: Delhi Police has denied permission for a proposed October 10 protest at Jantar Mantar by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) over the accountability of the Chief Election Commissioner and alleged “vote theft”, citing short notice, past non-compliance, and public safety concerns.

Joint Commissioner of Police Nupur Prasad stated that the application was submitted on October 7 by CJP co-convener Saurabh Das, falling short of the required 10-day prior intimation guideline. Prasad noted that during a previous permitted protest, the party failed to follow lawful directions and its own written undertakings.

“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, adding that Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) is currently in operation across the New Delhi area to maintain public order and safety.

In connection with the planned demonstration, Delhi Police has also proposed closing entry and exit gates and reducing train frequencies at 57 metro stations across the capital. In a Thursday communication, the Joint Commissioner of Police (Transport Range) asked the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) to implement these precautionary measures starting Friday at 9 pm and continuing through October 10 until the situation normalises, citing the likelihood of unruly crowd movement toward sensitive locations.

The identified stations include Rajiv Chowk, Central Secretariat, Patel Chowk, Janpath, New Delhi, Mandi House, ITO, Supreme Court, Kashmere Gate, Karol Bagh, INA, Hauz Khas, Lajpat Nagar, and Jamia Millia Islamia, among others. The communication reflects a police request for precautionary arrangements and does not independently confirm whether DMRC has approved or executed the closures. Police warned that strict legal action would be taken against anyone violating Section 163 restrictions.