Permission denied: 26K cops take guard

New Delhi: Delhi is on heightened security alert ahead of the Cockroach Janata Party’s (CJP) proposed protest at Jantar Mantar on October 10, with Delhi Police refusing permission for the demonstration and warning of strict action against any unauthorised gathering. Citing procedural violations, the party’s previous failure to honour undertakings and concerns over public safety, law and order and traffic management, authorities have intensified security across the capital, particularly in the New Delhi district. The extensive arrangements include the deployment of approximately 26,000 central security personnel, barricading around key locations and intensive checks at Delhi’s interstate borders. Joint Commissioner of Police Nupur Prasad explained the reasons for rejecting the protest application at the Delhi Police Headquarters on Friday. She said CJP co-convenor Saurav Das submitted the application to the New Delhi district authorities on October 7, 2026, seeking permission for the October 10 demonstration. However, established guidelines require applications for protests, sit-ins and other events at Jantar Mantar to be submitted at least 10 days in advance. Since the request was made at short notice, it failed to meet the prescribed procedural requirements, she said. The police also pointed to the party’s previous conduct, alleging that undertakings submitted during earlier demonstrations and applicable legal directions had not been followed.

Internet services will be suspended within a 4-kilometre radius of Jantar Mantar from 10 pm on October 9 to 10 pm on October 10

The Supreme Court directed the Centre to ensure that there is no "complete prohibition" of the movement of metro and trains coming to Delhi on October 10 due to a CJP protest, saying they cannot bring everything to a halt. Though law enforcement agencies have the right to take steps to restrict unruly movement, citizens should not be unduly harassed, the top court said. The Supreme Court observed that the Centre 'cannot use a hammer to kill a fly' and ordered that there cannot be complete prohibition.

The Supreme Court asked the government to consider designating an alternative venue to Jantar Mantar for peaceful protests in the national capital.

The bench comprising Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana was hearing a plea against the closure of 57 metro stations and cancellation of trains to Delhi in view of the protest. The protest call has been given by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and some student organisations against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the functioning of the Election Commission. Passengers carrying valid train tickets will not be stopped at any railway station in Delhi amid heightened security arrangements, and police will act only against those attempting to breach law and order, a Delhi Police officer said on Friday.

Several schools and colleges in Delhi have shifted classes online, rescheduled parent-teacher meetings and postponed examinations scheduled for October 10 amid security concerns and disruption of metro services ahead of a proposed protest at Jantar Mantar.

Sardar Patel Vidyalaya has informed parents that classes for students from Classes 6 to 12 will be conducted online on Saturday, citing extensive barricading in the New Delhi area and concerns over students' safety. The school has also discontinued its stay-back facility for students on Friday. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke on Friday slammed the Centre, saying it should shut down the entire country if it is scared of the youth. This statement followed the cancellation of trains to and from the national capital on October 10. Talking to reporters over the development here, Dipke said the government's permission wasn't needed to protest at Jantar Mantar, which is a designated spot. The Congress took a swipe at the Modi government over the heavy security personnel deployment ahead of the protest, saying it shows the level of "panic and nervousness" after four days of unrelenting protests by the INDIA bloc.

Cops open letter to protestors

On the occasion of World Post Day, the Delhi police have a message for Cockroach Janata Party protestors. Taking to their Instagram handle, Delhi police said, "An Open Letter to Every Citizen. Because beyond every uniform, every opinion and every disagreement, we're all human first."

(Dear Citizen, Your voice is your right but your security is our duty. Behind every uniform-wearing policeman, we too are human who have families and loved ones. The only difference is of uniforms, not of humanity.)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Purna Singh

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Purna Singh Yadav is an experienced journalist specializing in politics and general reporting. With over 3 years of writing expertise in political as well as general reporting. Purna has completed her post-graduation from Amity University with specialization in public relations and advertising. When she is not immersed in writing, she can be found spending time watching movies. With three years of experience as a frontline journalist, she has honed her craft in various genres, including entertainment, crime, and education. Purna's diverse family history and embrace of cultures as well as good communication skills have enriched her writing with unique perspectives.

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