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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, according to the Hindustan Times.
On Monday (October 12), Ranka, accompanied by fellow co-coordinator Sourav Das, visited Parliament Street Police Station to demand a new 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. “Where are we supposed to protest? The police must tell us within the next 24 hours how we can hold our demonstration. Otherwise, we will announce our next course of action,” he added.
Why is the CJP seeking a new date?
Delhi Police denied permission for the CJP’s proposed protest at Jantar Mantar on October 10, citing short notice from the 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 such protest continued beyond its permitted time and led to a deterioration in the law-and-order situation.
