The Delhi Police informed the Delhi High Court on Thursday that it would implement all necessary legal measures to prevent disruption from a proposed protest by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) in Connaught Place on October 16. This assurance came in response to a plea filed by a Palika Bazar vendor, who expressed significant concerns over potential business and livelihood losses.
Police Assurance to High Court
During the High Court proceedings, senior advocate Sachin Puri, representing the petitioner, emphasized that Connaught Place is not a designated protest site. He argued that allowing the protest in the "heart of CP" would effectively block the entire area, particularly detrimental during the upcoming festival weekend. The plea was filed on behalf of various street vendors, daily wage earners, and small traders in Central Delhi, including those near Jantar Mantar, whose livelihoods are frequently impacted by agitations.
Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma, appearing for the Delhi Police, acknowledged the petitioners' apprehensions, citing a "pattern of lawlessness." He highlighted that the concerns affected approximately 15 lakh traders whose business activities could be severely hampered. The High Court recorded the police's commitment and scheduled the next hearing for November 3.
Broader Implications of the Plea
Beyond the immediate protest, the petitioner's plea also seeks broader directives. It calls for strict enforcement of existing laws and an October 11 Supreme Court order that prohibits protests, dharnas, or gatherings at Jantar Mantar and its surrounding Central Delhi areas. The plea also requests revised, time-bound Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for newly designated protest venues, ensuring that these demonstrations do not obstruct surrounding roads.
Furthermore, the petition advocates for the protection of street vendors in the area, requesting that they not be evicted or have their goods seized except in strict accordance with the Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014.
CJP Leaders in Custody
The proposed CJP protest follows the recent remand of the party's co-conveners, Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka, to five days of judicial custody. Both leaders were arrested on allegations of trespassing into Jantar Mantar, violating bond conditions, and obstructing police personnel in the line of duty. They have since been sent to Tihar Jail.