The Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) has given Delhi Police 24 hours to set a new date for its planned protest at Jantar Mantar in the Indian capital, warning that it will announce its next course of action if the police fail to respond within the deadline.
CJP co-coordinator Ashutosh Ranka issued the warning on Monday, October 12, after visiting Parliament Street Police Station with fellow co-coordinator Sourav Das to demand a fresh date for the demonstration.
“Jantar Mantar is the designated venue for protests. We have come to find out when we will be allowed to hold our demonstration there,” Ranka said.
He added that police must inform the party within 24 hours when it would be allowed to hold the protest, warning that the party would announce its next move if no response came within the deadline.
Why is the CJP seeking a new date?
Delhi Police denied permission for the CJP's planned demonstration at Jantar Mantar on October 10, citing the short notice given by organisers, alleged violations during previous demonstrations, and concerns over public safety, traffic and law and order.
According to police, they were informed about the proposed demonstration on October 7, just three days before the planned event. Under the applicable rules, however, applications for protests must be submitted at least 10 days in advance.
The CJP had planned the demonstration to demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The protest was part of the party's ongoing campaign against alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise.
Police also cited previous CJP demonstrations at Jantar Mantar, alleging that one protest continued beyond its permitted time and led to a deterioration in the law-and-order situation.