Delhi faced extensive security and transport restrictions on October 10 as the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) planned a protest at Jantar Mantar despite police denying permission for the gathering. Around 25,000 police and paramilitary personnel were deployed across the capital, while restrictions affected about 45 metro stations, more than 250 trains and several major roads in central Delhi.
The CJP says it is protesting alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls and is demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Delhi Police denied permission, citing security concerns, inadequate notice and alleged violations of conditions during previous protests. The application for the demonstration was submitted on October 7, three days before the planned event, while police referred to a prescribed 10-day notice period.
CJP leaders Abhijeet Dipke, Ashutosh Ranka and Saurav Das have said they intend to proceed despite the restrictions. Dipke travelled from Mumbai to Delhi on Saturday to lead the protest and urged supporters to continue even if he is detained. Authorities have warned people against joining what they described as an unlawful gathering through public announcements, advisories and community outreach.
The security arrangements have affected public transport and access to central Delhi. Entry and exit restrictions were imposed at several Delhi Metro stations from Friday, while more than 250 trains connected to New Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin stations were cancelled until 2 pm on Saturday. The Supreme Court has directed the Centre to ensure that transport restrictions do not result in a complete shutdown or create undue problems for commuters.
Traffic restrictions began at 6 am around Jantar Mantar, Connaught Place, Mandi House, Patel Chowk and other parts of central Delhi. Ashoka Road, Jantar Mantar Road, Tolstoy Marg, Janpath and Sansad Marg were among the affected routes. Delhi Traffic Police advised people travelling through New Delhi and central Delhi towards railway stations, interstate bus terminals or the airport to allow extra time and avoid non-essential travel.
The New Delhi Traders Association advised shops, offices, restaurants and other establishments in Connaught Place to remain closed as a precaution. Police also intensified checks at railway stations, bus terminals, border points, hotels and guest houses, while monitoring possible mobilisation through social media. More than 120 companies of Central Armed Police Forces were expected to assist the Delhi Police.
At least 1,200 people were detained overnight in Delhi ahead of the proposed protest, according to the report. Around 250 were detained in the South East district, including Shaheen Bagh, while more than 100 were detained in Shahdara and East Delhi. Police also detained at least 100 people near Connaught Place’s inner circle on Saturday morning, saying many had spent the night there in small groups.
The CJP alleged that supporters travelling from Pune, West Bengal, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh had been intercepted or detained. The party also alleged that spokesperson Deepak Baliyan and his brother were assaulted in Rajasthan. These allegations had not been independently verified at the time of the report. The party demanded the release of those allegedly detained and safe passage for supporters travelling to Delhi.
Gautam Buddh Nagar imposed prohibitory restrictions under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, from October 10 to October 20. Delhi Traffic Police said diversions and restrictions could be revised according to conditions on the ground and advised commuters to follow official channels for real-time information and alternative routes.
