The Delhi High Court has directed the Delhi Police to take all possible measures, in accordance with law, to control the proposed protest by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) at Connaught Place on October 16.

A Division Bench of Acting Chief Justice Nitin Wasudeo Sambre and Justice Sanjay Sharma passed the direction while hearing a public interest litigation filed by Anil Kumar Gupta, a street vendor at Palika Bazar, who sought to restrain the party from holding demonstrations at Connaught Place and other non-designated protest sites.

Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma, appearing for the Delhi Police and other government authorities, submitted that the authorities had taken steps to control and regulate CJP’s activities. The Court recorded the assurance that the petitioner’s apprehensions would be addressed and that, if required, all possible steps in accordance with law would be taken to control the proposed gathering. It clarified that the reference to CJP would include its office-bearers and associates.

Senior Advocate Sacchin Puri, appearing for the petitioner, submitted that Connaught Place was not a designated protest site and that the proposed gathering could cause substantial financial losses to traders. He sought specific directions restraining the protest and enabling contempt proceedings in the event of a violation. The Court declined to issue any further direction, observing, “We have passed an order now, Mr Puri. Don’t insist on that.”

CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke had called on citizens to gather with the national flag at Central Park, Connaught Place, at 5 PM on October 16 to protest the detention of party leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka, who were remanded to five days of judicial custody for allegedly entering Jantar Mantar without authorisation.