CNN Central News & Network-ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Delhi: The Supreme Court of India has observed that holding a protest without the required permission may be unlawful, as it examined restrictions imposed ahead of the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) planned October 10 demonstration at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. The protest was called to demand accountability from Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
A bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant questioned why the organisers had not challenged the Delhi Police’s decision to deny permission for the demonstration. Justice Joymalya Bagchi observed that a protest held without permission could be considered unlawful and expose participants to prosecution.
The court was hearing concerns over the cancellation of certain trains and proposed restrictions at Metro stations ahead of the planned gathering. It indicated that restrictions could be reconsidered if the denial of permission was formally challenged and organisers provided assurances regarding peaceful conduct, the expected number of participants and compliance with the law.
Delhi Police had denied permission for the protest, citing the late submission of the application, alleged non-compliance with directions during an earlier demonstration, and concerns over public safety, traffic and law and order.
CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke, however, maintained that Jantar Mantar is a designated protest venue and questioned the need for police permission.
The developments highlight the legal and administrative challenges of balancing the right to peaceful assembly with public safety and the uninterrupted functioning of essential transport services.
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