'Appropriate Legal Action': Delhi Police Reject CEC Protest Plea
Delhi Police has rejected a plea for a demonstration regarding the Chief Election Commissioner's accountability, citing law and order concerns.
The Delhi Police has officially turned down an application seeking permission to hold a demonstration on October 10 regarding the accountability of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC). Citing a lack of sufficient notice, past instances of non-compliance, and significant law-and-order concerns, authorities have issued a stern warning against any attempts to breach existing prohibitory orders.
Short Notice and Past Violations Cited
Speaking to the media, Joint Commissioner of Police (Joint CP) Nupur Prasad explained that the request failed to meet the mandatory administrative requirements. According to established police guidelines, organizers are required to provide at least 10 days of prior notice before organizing a protest or dharna. The application in question was received at a very short notice, making it impossible to process within the required timeframe.
Beyond the timing issue, the police highlighted a history of problematic behavior from the organizers. Joint CP Prasad noted that in previous instances where permission had been granted, the organizers failed to adhere to their own undertakings and did not comply with legal directives issued at that time.
Key reasons for the rejection include:
- Failure to provide the mandatory 10-day prior notice.
- Past non-compliance with police undertakings during previous demonstrations.
- Potential disruptions to traffic regulations.
- The current sensitive law-and-order situation in the capital.
- Open calls for protests from other organizations.
Section 163 BNSS in Effect
The police emphasized that the New Delhi district is currently under the restrictions of Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). This legal provision prohibits any kind of unlawful assembly or demonstration in the area.
The Joint CP issued a clear warning that any attempt to gather in defiance of these orders would be met with force. "If any gathering occurs, or if any incident of public property destruction or vandalism takes place, appropriate legal action will be taken," she stated.
A Call for Mutual Respect and Peace
Addressing recent reports of unruly behavior and clashes directed at on-duty officers during political demonstrations, the senior official clarified the role of the police in a democratic society. While acknowledging that the police act as facilitators for democratic rights, she maintained that violence remains a red line.
"Permission for protests is granted strictly for peaceful demonstrations only. We are here to facilitate you so that you can conclude your protest peacefully and voice your views in a peaceful manner," Prasad asserted. She added that while the police respect the rights of civilians, that respect must be mutual, noting that attacking officers disrupts the very peace the police are tasked to protect.
When questioned about potential disruptions to public transport, specifically reports regarding requests to the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) to close multiple stations during the proposed stir, the Joint CP stated that the concerned Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) would provide a separate operational briefing.