Delhi High Court Directs Police to Ensure Order During CJP Protest in Connaught Place

New Delhi, October 15 (Daily Kiran) : The Delhi High Court has taken note of assurances from the Delhi Police regarding the management of a protest organized by the Cockroach People’s Party (CJP) in Connaught Place. This decision was made during a hearing on October 15, where the court addressed concerns about potential disruptions to business activities in the area.

Acting Chief Justice Nitin Vasudev Sambre and Justice Sanjay Sharma recorded the assurance given by Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma, representing the central government and the police. The assurance came in response to a petition expressing fears that the protest could adversely affect commercial operations in Connaught Place.

The court was hearing a plea from Anil Kumar Gupta, a street vendor in the area, who sought to prevent the CJP from holding any demonstrations in Central Park or other locations not designated for protests. Gupta’s lawyer, senior advocate Sachin Puri, argued that the planned protest coincides with a major Hindu festival and could significantly impact local businesses.

Puri urged the court to directly prohibit CJP founder Abhijit Dipke from proceeding with the protest. He highlighted that local traders had already suffered losses in the past week and warned that ongoing disruptions could lead to further economic harm.

The bench was informed that a notice had already been sent to Dipke via email. The High Court acknowledged the petitioner’s concerns and emphasized that all necessary legal measures would be taken to regulate the activities of the CJP founder.

In its order, the court stated, “The respondents (officials) have already taken steps to regulate the activities of Respondent No. 6 (Dipke), and all possible measures under the law will be implemented.” The next hearing in the case is scheduled for November 3.

Earlier in the day, Puri had raised the petition before the Acting Chief Justice, seeking immediate intervention to prevent the assembly, citing concerns over potential traffic congestion and disruption to public life, which could financially impact Connaught Place traders.

The planned protest follows Dipke’s call for supporters to gather at Central Park at 5 PM on Friday. This demonstration will serve as a protest against the arrest of CJP co-organizers Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka.

In a video message posted on social media, Dipke referred to the protest as “Lahara Do Tiranga” and invited the public to participate, asserting that raising the national flag is not a crime.

Das and Ranka were remanded to judicial custody for five days on Wednesday for unauthorized entry at Jantar Mantar, while another CJP leader, Ajinkya Shinde, was released on bail. The three members were taken into custody for entering Jantar Mantar, which is no longer recognized as a designated protest site.

They face charges of unauthorized entry, violating bond conditions, and obstructing government officials in their duties.