The Delhi Police on Thursday submitted before the city’s High Court (HC) that it shall take appropriate action against the pressure group Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and its founder, Abhijeet Dipke, ahead of the outfit’s proposed ‘Lehra Do Tiranga’ movement at Connaught Place on Friday, October 16.

Police said they have denied permission for the assembly, which the outfit plans to stage as a symbol of protest against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise and demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar.

Police’s assurance came on Thursday while the HC had been hearing a petition filed by Anil Kumar Gupta, a licensed street vendor who sells readymade garments at Palika Bazar. The petitioner expressed apprehension that the proposed stir could disrupt commercial activities in Connaught Place, one of Delhi’s busiest shopping districts.

As per reports, a division bench of the HC, comprising Acting Chief Justice Nitin Wasudeo Sambre and Justice Sanjay Sharma recorded the government’s assurance that all necessary measures would be taken in accordance with the law.

The matter will next be heard on November 3.

“Stir will block entire Connaught Place”

During the hearing, senior advocate Sachin Puri, appearing on behalf of the petitioner, contended that a protest in the heart of Connaught Place could bring business activities and public movement to a halt. His submissions read, “In heart of CP, (it) will block entire CP. This is not about Jantar Mantar. They may ensure that protest doesn’t take place and movement is not stopped.”

Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma, representing the Delhi Police, called the proposed demonstration an ‘illegal march’ and urged the HC to ensure that the situation did not spiral out of control.

He also elaborated on concerns about the potential disruption during the festive weekend and sought direction against CJP founder Dipke. The bench recorded the assurance provided by the law officer that the authorities had already initiated measures to regulate the activities of the party and would take all possible steps permitted under the law.

CJP announces ‘Lehra Do Tiranga’ movement

Meanwhile, Dipke released a video statement on Wednesday, appealing to the people who identify themselves as patriots and supporters of the national flag to congregate at Connaught Place at 5 pm on October 16.

As per Dipke’s claims, the proposed gathering is also aimed at protesting against the detention of CJP leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka, which Dipke termed an ‘illegal arrest.’ The duo had been detained after allegedly sneaking into Jantar Mantar, which had been denotified as an authorised protest venue, and waving the tricolour there.

Dipke claimed that the party’s co-conveners had been incarcerated simply for waving the Tricolour. He maintained that the proposed stir would send across a message that hoisting the national flag should not be treated as a crime.

Row erupts over SIR, protest restrictions

The CJP and the Opposition INDIA bloc have been voicing demands for the withdrawal of the SIR exercise and the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar. The latest confrontation follows a police crackdown on the party’s October 10 agitation in Delhi. With the authorities refusing approval for the October 16 gathering, the dispute has now reached the courts, placing the proposed protest and its potential impact on local businesses under scrutiny.