Delhi Police prohibited Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke from holding the ‘Lehra Do Tiranga’ march at Connaught Place on October 16, citing crowd-management risks in one of central Delhi’s busiest commercial and transport districts.
A police team served Dipke a notice hours before the proposed 5 pm march. The notice, issued through the Station House Officer of Connaught Place and referring to two Delhi High Court matters, said the gathering had been announced through public statements and social media calls without lawful permission.
The notice cited Connaught Place’s dense commercial activity, limited entry and exit points, and heavy pedestrian and vehicular movement. It warned that a crowd could obstruct the adjoining circles, complicate dispersal and hamper access for emergency vehicles.
Police also raised concerns about congestion at Rajiv Chowk Metro station, which the notice said handles an average of two lakh commuters every day. Any disruption in the area could affect traders, employees, customers and other people who use Connaught Place for work, business and daily travel. The notice said more than 15 lakh traders and employees depend on the orderly functioning of the commercial district.
The police communication also referred to Connaught Place’s proximity to Parliament, the Central Secretariat and diplomatic precincts. It said the area’s narrow service lanes could create difficulties for the movement of ambulances and fire tenders if a large gathering blocked access.
Prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita were already in force, according to the notice. It warned that violations could lead to charges for disobedience of an order duly promulgated by a public servant.
The notice cited previous demonstrations by the CJP and alleged that the group had earlier violated conditions attached to permission for events, resulting in a breach of peace and disruption of public order. It also referred to what it described as unauthorised calls for a march towards Parliament in June, which it said had led to serious violence and damage to public and private property.
Dipke was prohibited from holding a demonstration, procession or rally in the vicinity of Connaught Place under provisions including sections of the Delhi Police Act, 1978. He was also directed not to undertake actions that could affect the rights of traders, commuters, patients and other citizens, including their ability to conduct lawful business, earn a livelihood, move freely and remain safe.
Connaught Place is not a notified protest site, the notice said. It directed Dipke to use other designated venues, subject to permission being sought and granted, and told him to abide by the law. During a live video on the CJP’s Instagram page, Dipke questioned a police officer about whether waving the national flag would also be prohibited, saying the group had not announced a protest but intended to wave the Tricolour.
