Delhi Police are likely to deny permission to the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) for conducting their proposed September 5 protest march in New Delhi, as per reports, amid prohibitory restrictions being in force and heightened security concerns after clashes during the group’s previous agitation in the national capital’s Jantar Mantar. 

The CJP has announced plans for a 2.5-km-long march from India Gate to the Delhi Police Headquarters on Jai Singh Road on the said date. The demonstration is likely to see the participation of the families of those NEET aspirants who died by suicide following the exam paper leak. Besides them, students, youth organizations and people who alleged they were subjected to police excesses during the group’s July agitation are also likely to show up. 

Cops receive no permission request

Senior officials attached to Delhi Police said the CJP has not yet submitted an application seeking permission for the proposed march. They went on to say that if an application is received, it shall be assessed on the basis of the prevailing security situation and law-and-order considerations. 

As per reports, the force is also preparing for the possibility of a sizable gathering. Officials are examining security arrangements and the deployment of additional cops to prevent any untoward incident during the march. 

The reported tougher stance comes from the police’s end against the backdrop of the CJP-led march towards Parliament on July 20, which ended up in a fierce clash between the demonstrators and police personnel in Central Delhi. 

July protest under SC’s scanner

Subsequently, multiple allegations against the police surfaced regarding the July agitation, pertaining to the use of excessive police force and the utilisation of pellet guns against protestors. Meanwhile, authorities alleged that certain elements among the demonstrators resorted to violence and inflicted damage on public property. 

Since then, the case has come under the scrutiny of a five-member high-powered committee constituted by the Supreme Court (SC). Former judge R Subhash Reddy is heading the panel, which has been tasked with examining the police action during the July 20 protest. 

Furthermore, the committee is likely to examine allegations of excessive force and the counter allegations levelled by authorities regarding violence by protestors during the demonstration. 

“Centre’s promises unfulfilled”: CJP

Meanwhile, the pressure group, CJP, has maintained that its September 5 march is being conducted as it alleged that the assurances made by the Union Government during the July 20 agitation have not been fulfilled. 

Among the commitments cited by the group are assurances concerning the withdrawal of First Information Reports (FIRs) registered against protestors. The party has appealed to its supporters, students and other groups to join the proposed march. 

Notably, the Delhi Police had rolled out prohibitory orders ahead of the party’s July 20 Parliament march, barring unauthorised congregations and processions. With the September 5 mobilisation on the cards now, the authorities are expected to closely assess the potential law-and-order implications as well as security arrangements before taking a final call on permission.