The Supreme Court has chosen not to issue immediate directives regarding the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) planned ‘Lehra do Tiranga’ march in Delhi. This decision comes amidst concerns about the potential effects of the demonstration on local businesses. The CJP, founded by Abhijeet Dipke, has called for supporters to assemble at Central Park in Connaught Place at 5 pm to protest the recent arrests of leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka, who were detained for unfurling the national flag at Jantar Mantar after the site was denotified for protests.

Closure of Central Park by NDMC

In response to the planned march, the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has ordered the closure of Central Park for both Friday and Saturday, citing “administrative reasons.” The Delhi Police have stated that permission for the march has not been granted. During a hearing on the matter, a bench consisting of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi declined an urgent hearing on a plea that challenged the NDMC’s closure order. The lawyer representing the plea argued that the directive was issued late Thursday night, effectively hindering business activities in the vicinity.

The bench expressed hope that better judgement would prevail, emphasising the importance of small shopkeepers who rely on their businesses for livelihood. They acknowledged the hardships that families may face due to the closure. Justice Bagchi noted that the various issues related to the protest and concerns over law and order are interconnected, highlighting the need for a balanced approach.

Justice Bagchi remarked that the interests of protestors, vendors, and law enforcement are all linked. He stated, “If business is harmed, we will exercise our powers under constitutional jurisdiction.” He assured that the court has the authority to intervene if the actions taken are deemed disproportionate, indicating that the situation will be addressed if necessary.

Security Measures Ahead of the Proposed March

As the proposed march approaches, security measures in Delhi have been significantly heightened. More than 6,000 personnel from the Delhi Police, along with 220 companies of Central Armed Police Forces, have been deployed across key locations including Connaught Place, Rajiv Chowk, Central Park, and Jantar Mantar. An expanded network of CCTV cameras has also been installed in sensitive areas, including Palika Bazaar and nearby Metro stations.

Barricades have been strategically placed at various points, such as Patel Chowk, ITO, and Sansad Marg, to manage crowd control. Additionally, an extra 5,000 personnel are on standby to respond to any escalation in crowd size, particularly during the evening hours. Officials have indicated that the deployment of security forces may be increased if necessary, reflecting the administration’s commitment to maintaining order during the planned demonstration.

The matter is scheduled to be revisited by the Supreme Court on October 26 or 27, as the situation continues to evolve. The court’s remarks and the heightened security measures underscore the delicate balance between the right to protest and the need to protect local businesses and public order in the capital.

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