Delhi Police has defended restrictions imposed ahead of a proposed demonstration by the CJP, saying the right to protest must be balanced with public safety, traffic movement and the city’s ability to function normally. The police said the measures are temporary and intended to manage crowds, protect residents and businesses, and keep routes open for emergency services.
The police presented its position in posts on X before the planned demonstration. It said protests are an important democratic right, but large gatherings cannot be allowed to disrupt normal life, security and economic activity across the capital. The force also cited the limited capacity of Jantar Mantar, the designated protest venue in central Delhi.
According to the police account reported by Jagran, Jantar Mantar can accommodate approximately 1,000 people at a time. Authorities said prior permission allows them to estimate the expected crowd, prepare traffic diversions, maintain access for emergency vehicles and plan the safe movement of people in surrounding areas.
Delhi Police also referred to a protest held in July to explain its concerns. The police said permission had initially been granted for one day, but the demonstration continued for nearly a month. It claimed that more than 200 police personnel were injured during the episode and that over 2,000 people with criminal backgrounds joined the protest before the situation turned violent.
The police further alleged that, during recent demonstrations at Jantar Mantar, women police personnel were subjected to harassment and assault. These claims were cited as reasons for taking precautions before another large gathering. The supplied report does not include an independent account from the organisers or details of any court finding on these allegations.
The force said the organisers of the proposed CJP demonstration were proceeding without the required permission. It cited the Supreme Court’s legal position to argue that a protest held without authorisation could be treated as unlawful and that participants may face prosecution. Police also said organisers have a responsibility to inform people joining the demonstration about the applicable legal provisions.
The restrictions come as authorities prepare for the possible impact of a large gathering on central Delhi’s roads, businesses, residents and public services. Jantar Mantar’s location near important administrative and commercial areas means that crowd-control decisions can affect traffic flows and access beyond the protest site itself.
Delhi Police said its objective was not to completely prevent people from expressing their views, but to regulate the gathering and limit disruption to ordinary movement. The force’s position is that protest organisers must work within the permission process so that crowd size, traffic arrangements and emergency access can be planned in advance.
The immediate issue remains the proposed CJP demonstration and whether organisers obtain the necessary permission before proceeding. Delhi Police has said that enforcement action may follow if the protest takes place without authorisation.
