Delhi Police deny permission for CJP march to Parliament; warn of strict action

New Delhi: The Delhi Police on Sunday refused permission for the Cockroach Janata Party’s proposed march from Jantar Mantar to Parliament on July 20, and warned that anyone violating prohibitory orders would face strict legal action.

New Delhi DCP Sachin Sharma said the CJP had neither applied for nor been granted permission for the march. He cited Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which confines protests to the notified site at Jantar Mantar and bars assembly of five or more persons, protest marches and other demonstrations outside that location without prior approval.

With the new Parliament session beginning on Monday, police have stepped up security around vital government installations and deployed additional forces near the Parliament complex. Officials urged protesters to remain within the permitted zone and to avoid confrontation, saying any attempt to defy the orders would be dealt with firmly.

The decision comes amid escalating tensions at Jantar Mantar, where the CJP has camped since June 20. Prominent activist Sonam Wangchuk, who began a prolonged hunger strike, was recently hospitalized after police intervention; CJP founder Abhijit Dipke has since taken up the fast. Despite the police refusal, the party has publicly vowed to march to Parliament on Monday, pressing a list of demands.

Authorities warned citizens to avoid sensitive areas as the situation remains fluid, stressing the need to balance the right to protest with maintenance of public order during the parliamentary session.

(Inputs from IANS)