New Delhi: The Delhi High Court on Thursday recorded an assurance from the Delhi Police that all possible legal measures would be taken to address concerns over the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) proposed protest at Connaught Place on Friday.
A bench of Acting Chief Justice Nitin Wasudeo Sambre and Justice Sanjay Sharma was hearing a plea filed by Anil Kumar Gupta, a licensed street vendor at Palika Bazar, apprehending disruption to business activities due to the proposed gathering at Central Park.
Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma, appearing for the authorities, informed the court that steps had already been taken to regulate CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke’s activities and that further measures would be taken as required under the law.
The court recorded the assurance and listed the matter for further hearing on November 3. It did not expressly prohibit the proposed protest.
Senior advocate Sacchin Puri, representing the petitioner, argued that Central Park was not a designated protest venue and sought directions to prevent the gathering. He said demonstrations, road blockades and traffic diversions in central Delhi adversely affect traders and daily-wage earners.
The plea states that Dipke called for a gathering under the banner “Lehra Do Tiranga” at 5 pm on October 16. It also refers to a Delhi Police order dated October 11, which identified Ramlila Ground, Burari Ground and CBD Ground as designated protest venues following the de-notification of Jantar Mantar.
The petitioner cited Supreme Court judgments on regulating demonstrations and preventing prolonged obstruction of public roads.
