Leaders of the CJP sought permission from Delhi Police to hold a peaceful protest at Jantar Mantar and warned they would issue another call to protest if the police did not respond within 24 hours.
Meeting with Police
CJP leaders Ashutosh Ranka and Saurav Das visited the Parliament Street police station on Monday to request a date for their protest at Jantar Mantar. Upon their arrival, security was heightened and the road outside the police station was closed.
A public announcement urged people to comply with security measures, prohibitory orders, and avoid unauthorized gatherings.
CJP’s Demand and Ultimatum
Addressing the media, Ranka said, “We are going to ask Delhi Police for a date to hold a protest at Jantar Mantar. We hope the police will give us a date. If they do not, we will make another call within 24 hours.”
He criticized the security restrictions in the national capital, saying they were unprecedented and causing hardship to residents and businesses, especially ahead of the upcoming festivals.
“The way Delhi Police has shut the entire national capital down is unprecedented. People are suffering, businesses have been shut… festivals are also coming. Why don’t you give us a designated site to hold the protest?” Ranka questioned.
Peaceful Protest as a Right
CJP leader Saurav Das stressed the constitutional right to peaceful protest and urged the police to specify a date and time.
“Peaceful protest is a right, a constitutional right, and people are already exercising it. People will protest peacefully. The police always complain that we should approach them 10 days in advance. We are now leaving the choice to them and asking them to specify the date and time.”
Das added, “However, we will not let them keep the matter pending. We will give them a 24-hour ultimatum. Let’s see.”
Security Measures and Detentions
Following the CJP’s call for a protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar at Jantar Mantar, authorities implemented extensive security arrangements and restrictions across the national capital.
Protesters were blocked from reaching Jantar Mantar on Saturday and Sunday, with police stating that permission had not been granted for any demonstration. Thousands of protesters including CJP leaders, opposition party members, and student groups were detained over the last two days.
