Delhi Police are likely to deny permission for the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) proposed September 5 protest march in New Delhi, reports suggest, as prohibitory
orders remain in place and the force is taking a stricter approach in view of the violence that broke out during the group’s previous demonstration at Jantar Mantar. The CJP has announced a 2.5-km march from India Gate to the Delhi Police Headquarters on Jai Singh Road on September 5. The protest is expected to include families of NEET aspirants who died by suicide, students, youth organisations and people who allege they were victims of police excesses during the July agitation. However, Delhi Police officials said the CJP has not yet submitted a formal application seeking permission for the march. Officials said any request, if received, would be examined on the basis of prevailing security and law-and-order considerations. As per reports, the police are preparing for the possibility of a large crowd and are assessing security requirements and the deployment of additional forces. The tougher stance comes against the backdrop of the July 20 CJP-led march towards Parliament, when protesters and security personnel clashed in central Delhi. The protests triggered allegations of excessive police force, including claims of pellet-gun use, while authorities also alleged that some elements among the protesters were involved in violence and property damage. The Supreme Court has since constituted a five-member high-powered committee headed by former judge R Subhash Reddy to examine the police action during the July 20 protest. The panel is expected to look into allegations of excessive force as well as counter-allegations concerning protester violence during the demonstration. The CJP has said the September 5 march is being organised because it believes commitments made by the government after the July agitation have not been fulfilled, including assurances to withdraw FIRs against protesters. The group has urged supporters to participate in the proposed march. Delhi Police, meanwhile, had imposed prohibitory restrictions in the New Delhi district ahead of the July Parliament march, with unauthorised assemblies and processions barred.
