Delhi Police on Friday served a notice to the founder of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), Abhijeet Dipke, informing him that the outfit’s proposed rally at Connaught Place had not been permitted. The police’s action came hours before the party was set to stage the ‘Lehra Do Tiranga’ gathering at the Central Park located near CP, as authorities tightened the reins across the national capital’s commercial heart.

A video surfaced on Instagram, showing the cops approaching Dipke to hand over the notice to him, underlining the administration’s efforts to avert an unauthorised assembly amid concerns over public order, traffic congestion and potential business losses for the traders during the festive season.

Dipke had pleaded with the supporters to congregate at Central Park at 5 pm on Friday, carrying the Tricolour. The proposed demonstration comes after the arrest of CJP leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka, who had been remanded to five days of judicial custody over a stir at Jantar Mantar. The venue had recently been denotified as a protest site by the government.

Sections 163 curbs imposed across Central Delhi

Delhi Police said they have imposed prohibitory restrictions under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) in Connaught Place and surrounding areas, citing concerns over security and law-and-order.

In a parallel development, the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has also ordered Central Park to remain shut for the public on October 16 and 17. The cops have appealed to the people not to participate in the proposed rally, issuing warnings that congregations would flout the curbs.

However, the authorities have indicated that they could facilitate a limited group of people to carry the Tricolour and sing the National Anthem at an appropriate location as an alternative to the planned assembly.

Security has been stepped up across the national capital, as more than 25,000 police and paramilitary personnel have been deployed, as per reports. Additional surveillance arrangements and traffic management measures have also been put in place to prevent disruptions.

HC refuses to block proposed stir

The police action comes after Thursday’s proceedings in the Delhi HC, which refused to issue an order restraining the CJP and Dipke from holding the proposed agitation.

However, the court recorded the Delhi Police’s assurance that all the necessary steps permitted under the law would be taken to regulate the gathering and address concerns raised by the traders.

The court had been hearing a petition filed by a vendor who operates his business at the Palika Bazaar, who argued that demonstrations in CP could disrupt commercial activity and would also threaten livelihoods during the crucial festive shopping period.

The court listed the matter for next hearing on November 3, 2026.

CJP presses for CEC’s resignation

The CJP has been raising demands for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

While the EC has shunned allegations of partisan conduct, the BJP has accused the Opposition parties of trying to undermine the electoral institution. Meanwhile, Dipke has maintained that the proposed flag march is a peaceful expression of democratic rights and pleaded with supporters to show up despite the restrictions.