A Shivaji Park resident and an advocate by profession, Siddhi Deolekar, has filed a complaint at the Shivaji Park Police Station against Cockroach Janta
Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke and others over the October 2 protest at the iconic Mumbai venue. In a post on X, Deolekar said she had lodged the complaint against Dipke, CJP co-convenor Ashutosh Ranka, Saurav Das and another individual, alleging that they were attempting to proceed with the protest and gather a large crowd despite the authorities denying permission. The complaint came in view of the CJP's decision to go ahead with its planned agitation at Shivaji Park on Gandhi Jayanti (October 2), seeking the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, among other demands. Notably, Mumbai Police had earlier denied permission for the gathering at Shivaji Park and advised the organisers to explore an alternative venue.
Resident Invokes Bombay High Court Restrictions
Deolekar, describing herself as a "responsible Shivaji Park citizen", cited the Bombay High Court's directions in PIL 116/2009 and the subsequent Maharashtra government order governing gatherings at Shivaji Park.The Mumbai Police had also cited the court directions while refusing permission for the CJP gathering, saying it was not empowered to grant permission for such a gathering at Shivaji Park and advising the organisers to seek an alternative venue.
'No One Is Above Law'
In her post, Deolekar alleged that proceeding with the gathering despite the denial of permission would amount to defying the law "under the cover of a political protest".She further questioned the CJP's stated commitment to constitutional principles, arguing that constitutional rights come with corresponding obligations to comply with judicial directions.
"This Protest is an Insult to the Hon'ble High Court of Bombay," Deolekar said in the post, while asserting that "no ideology, no political campaign and no individual is above the Constitution."
"No one is above the law," she added.
CJP Continues To Protest Despite Permission Denial
Despite the denial of permission to hold the protest at Shivaji Park on October 2, the CJP continued with its planned agitation on Friday.Thousands of young men and women gathered at Mumbai's Shivaji Park for the protest demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Heavy police and security deployment was seen in the area, while entry routes from nearby Dadar railway station were barricaded. Protesters, however, managed to reach Shivaji Park.
