New Delhi, October 9, 2026: Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) activist Abhijeet Dipke has said the organisation will proceed with its planned protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar on October 10, despite Delhi Police denying permission for the demonstration.
Dipke said CJP members were prepared to face detention or arrest during the protest, which is aimed at raising concerns over the accountability of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC).
Speaking about the proposed demonstration, Dipke questioned the restrictions imposed ahead of the event and argued that the measures could inconvenience ordinary commuters.
Abhijeet Dipke Questions Restrictions Ahead of Jantar Mantar Protest
Dipke criticised the authorities over reported restrictions affecting public transport and road movement ahead of the proposed demonstration.
He questioned why the government was concerned about a youth-led protest and argued that restrictions intended to prevent public inconvenience could themselves create difficulties for commuters.
The CJP activist also said party members, including Saurabh Das and Ashutosh, were prepared to face detention if the demonstration went ahead.
CJP Activist Cites Article 19 of the Constitution
Dipke questioned the requirement for prior police permission to organise a protest at Jantar Mantar, referring to Article 19 of the Indian Constitution, which protects certain freedoms, including the right to assemble peacefully and without arms, subject to reasonable restrictions.
He linked the proposed demonstration to concerns over the Chief Election Commissioner and alleged changes involving electoral rolls and Form 6.
Dipke also challenged the police requirement that protest applications be submitted at least 10 days in advance.
However, the constitutional right to peaceful assembly remains subject to applicable laws and lawful restrictions imposed to maintain public order and safety.
Why Delhi Police Denied Permission for the Protest
Delhi Police said permission for the October 10 demonstration had been denied because the application was submitted at short notice and because of previous alleged non-compliance with police directions and undertakings.
Joint Commissioner of Police Nupur Prasad said an application from CJP co-convener Saurabh Das was received on October 7 for the planned protest at Jantar Mantar.
According to the police, the prescribed guidelines require protest applications to be submitted at least 10 days in advance. The authorities also cited public safety, law and order, and traffic management concerns.
Prasad further stated that Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) was in force in the New Delhi area and warned that violations could lead to legal action.
Supreme Court Developments Over Restrictions Ahead of October 10
The proposed protest has also prompted legal scrutiny of restrictions affecting public movement in Delhi.
According to subsequent reports, the Supreme Court addressed concerns about a complete suspension of metro services ahead of the October 10 demonstrations and asked authorities to regulate movement.
The development has brought further attention to the balance between the right to peaceful protest, public convenience and the responsibility of authorities to maintain law and order.
CJP Protest Focuses on Chief Election Commissioner Accountability
CJP has said its planned demonstration is intended to raise questions about the accountability of the Chief Election Commissioner.
Dipke’s remarks highlight the disagreement between the organisation and Delhi Police over whether the proposed gathering should proceed without permission.
While CJP maintains that its activists are prepared to face detention, police have cited procedural requirements and public safety concerns as reasons for refusing approval.
The situation places renewed focus on the legal framework governing demonstrations in the national capital and the conditions under which public protests can be organised.
