CJP Demands Jantar Mantar Protest Site Amid Venue Shift
The Cockroach Janata Party has issued a 24-hour ultimatum to Delhi Police for permission to protest at Jantar Mantar following its de-notification.
The Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) has officially approached the Delhi Police, seeking permission to hold a peaceful demonstration at Jantar Mantar. In a bold move, the group has issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the authorities to respond to their request, following the recent de-notification of Jantar Mantar as a designated protest site.
The move comes at a time of significant tension regarding public assembly in the national capital. Following an official notice, the Delhi Police has designated three new locations for protests: Ramlila Ground, Burari Ground, and CBD Ground in East Delhi, effectively removing Jantar Mantar from its long-standing status as a primary venue for demonstrations.
Ultimatum to Delhi Police
In a formal representation sent to the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) at the Parliament Street Police Station, CJP activists Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka urged the administration to allow the assembly at Jantar Mantar. To avoid the common criticism that protests are not announced in advance, the group has taken a unique stance by allowing the police to choose the date for the demonstration.
"Given the constant allegation from the government and Police’s side about not informing them of the protest well in advance, i.e. before at least 10 days, we hereby give you the option to provide us the designated protest site Jantar Mantar on a date of your choosing," the letter stated.
The group warned that if they do not receive a response within the 24-hour window, they will proceed with peaceful protests regardless, or announce a new date for a mass demonstration.
Allegations of Police High-Handedness
The CJP's letter did not mince words regarding the current state of law enforcement in Delhi. The activists alleged that the city has been gripped by "severe disruption and widespread public distress" due to aggressive policing tactics. They highlighted several concerns regarding the recent deployment of security forces:
- Massive Deployment: The group claimed that over 55,000 police and paramilitary personnel have been deployed across the city, bringing routine civic life to a standstill.
- Civil Liberties: The letter cited reports of arbitrary and illegal detentions, physical aggression, and violence against peaceful citizens and members of the press.
- Economic Impact: The group noted that road closures and heavy barricading have caused significant financial strain on local commercial establishments.
Empty Police Station Claims
During a briefing with reporters, CJP activist Ashutosh Ranka shared his experience while attempting to deliver the letter. He claimed that the Parliament Street Police Station appeared largely abandoned during their visit.
"The DCP also came into the room by mistake, but when he saw us sitting there, he left, so we could not meet him either. The Additional DCP and the SHO are also not present. It appears that the entire Parliament Street Police Station has been vacated since CJP arrived," Ranka told reporters.
Despite the lack of direct interaction with senior officials, the CJP maintains that the right to peaceful assembly is a constitutionally protected right that cannot be stripped from students, citizens, and the youth.