The Cockroach Janata Party has asked Delhi Police to choose a date for its proposed demonstration at Jantar Mantar, days after the capital’s designated protest venue was de-notified and three alternative locations were identified.
In a letter addressed to the deputy commissioner of police at Parliament Street police station, CJP activists Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka sought permission to assemble peacefully at Jantar Mantar. They gave the police 24 hours to respond and offered to hold the protest on a date selected by the authorities.
The request follows Delhi Police’s decision to remove Jantar Mantar from the list of designated protest sites. According to the report, police identified Ramlila Ground, Burari Ground and CBD Ground in East Delhi as alternative locations for demonstrations.
The party’s letter referred to police objections regarding advance notice for protests, including a stated requirement that requests be made at least 10 days ahead. In response, the activists asked the police to determine the date themselves, arguing that this would address the notice-related concern while allowing the demonstration to take place at Jantar Mantar.
The representation also alleged that recent security measures in Delhi had disrupted public life. It cited heavy deployment of police and paramilitary personnel, road closures and barricades, and said these measures had affected commuters and businesses. The activists further alleged arbitrary detentions, physical aggression and prolonged custody involving protesters and other citizens. These allegations were made by the CJP in its representation and were not accompanied by a response from Delhi Police in the report.
The group said peaceful assembly was constitutionally protected and that citizens, students and young people should not be prevented from exercising their democratic rights. It warned that it would continue its peaceful protest if the police did not respond and said it would announce a fresh date for a mass demonstration if Jantar Mantar was not allocated.
Speaking to reporters, Ranka said the activists had formally approached the police and offered to accept a date suggested by the department. He also claimed that the DCP briefly entered the room and left after seeing the activists, while the additional DCP and station house officer were unavailable. According to Ranka, the police station appeared to have been vacated after the group arrived.
The activists said they had submitted the letter seeking permission for the demonstration. The immediate next step is the Delhi Police response to the request and whether the department will assign a date and permit the gathering at Jantar Mantar.
