CJP Lehra Do Tiranga Campaign: Delhi Police Denies Permission, Central Park Closed

The political and social atmosphere in the national capital has intensified as the focus shifts from Jantar Mantar to the iconic Central Park in Connaught Place. The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) had announced its 'Lehra Do Tiranga' campaign to be held on Friday at 5 PM at Central Park. However, the Delhi Police has officially denied permission for this gathering, citing security concerns and the fact that Connaught Place isn't a designated site for protests, while despite the police's refusal, the legal battle reached the High Court, which has provided a significant turn to the events surrounding this planned demonstration.

Security Measures and Public Restrictions

In anticipation of the CJP's proposed protest, the Delhi Police has implemented stringent security arrangements around Connaught Place and Jantar Mantar, while to maintain law and order, several companies of paramilitary forces have already been deployed across the national capital. As a precautionary measure, Central Park in Connaught Place has been closed to the general public for two days, specifically on 16 October and 17 October. Police sources indicate that personnel will be stationed at strategic locations, and barricades will be erected at multiple points to control the movement of both protesters and commuters, ensuring that no untoward incidents occur.

Legal Proceedings in the High Court

The legal dimension of this conflict saw the Delhi High Court refusing to pass an order to stop the CJP and its founder, Abhijeet Dipke, from carrying out the demonstration at Central Park on Friday. A bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Nitin Vasudev Sambre and Justice Sanjay Sharma heard a petition filed by a local shopkeeper from Connaught Place. The petitioner’s counsel argued that if shops were forced to close during another weekend due to protests, especially during the peak festive season, it would lead to severe financial distress for traders and vendors. However, the court took note of the assurance provided by Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma, who stated that necessary steps have been taken to regulate the CJP's activities and that the concerns of the petitioner would be addressed through organized police control.

The Core of the Protest: Support for Das and Ranka

The 'Lehra Do Tiranga' campaign was called for by Abhijeet Dipke on Wednesday, urging people to gather with the national flag. The motivation behind this call is the recent legal action against CJP members Sourav Das and Ashutosh Ranka. Dipke alleged that both members were sent to jail simply for hoisting the tricolor. Sourav Das and Ashutosh Ranka were sent to Delhi's Tihar Jail on Wednesday under 5 days of judicial custody. They face allegations of violating a peace bond and forcibly entering Jantar Mantar. It was following their detention that Dipke issued the call for the mass gathering at Central Park.

Police Appeal and Legal Restrictions

The Delhi Police has issued a public appeal asking citizens not to participate in the unauthorized protest, while to ensure the safety of lives and the protection of both government and private property, Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) has been imposed in Connaught Place and its surrounding areas. The police emphasized that maintaining peace is a priority, especially given that Connaught Place is a high-traffic commercial hub. While the High Court declined to issue specific instructions to stop the CJP, it recorded the police's commitment to managing the situation effectively. When the petitioner's lawyer requested more specific directives, the bench remarked, "Don't be persistent.