Delhi police shut down Connaught Place for two days, clamp prohibitory orders before CJP protest

Delhi Police have urged people to stay away from the Cockroach Janta Party's (CJP) proposed 'Lehra Do Tiranga' march at Connaught Place on Friday, citing law and order concerns and an NDMC notice closing Central Park to the public on October 16 and 17 for “administrative reasons”.

In a statement issued on Thursday, Delhi Police cited prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the BNSS in force in Connaught Place and adjoining areas, but said it could facilitate a select group of people to wave the national flag and sing the national anthem at a suitable location.

“Delhi Police appeals to protesters and the general public not to join such assemblies, which would contravene the provisions of Section 163 of the BNSS currently in force,” the statement said, referring to the protests called by the CJP and AAP on Friday.

Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke on Thursday urged people to join the "Lehra do Tiranga" march carrying the national flag at Central Park, Connaught Place, on Friday amid a stand-off with Delhi Police over demonstrations against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

The CJP has appealed to the public through social media and a press conference to assemble at Central Park at 5 pm on October 16 with tricolour flags.

The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has informed Delhi Police that Central Park will remain closed on October 16 and 17 and requested adequate security arrangements to prevent unauthorised access to the park.

Police said various trader and market associations in Connaught Place and adjoining areas had sought protection for their establishments from unruly elements and unlawful assemblies, which could adversely affect business during the festive season.

Cautioning against violations of Section 163 BNSS, police said legal action would be taken against those who defy the prohibitory orders and appealed to the public to cooperate in maintaining peace and tranquillity.

It also emphasised that the national flag must be carried and displayed, and the national anthem sung, in the prescribed manner and with due respect, dignity and decorum.