'Did not follow lawful directions earlier': Why Delhi Police denied permission for CJP's October 10 protest

NEW DELHI: The Delhi Police has denied permission for the Cockroach Janata Party’s (CJP) proposed protest at Jantar Mantar on October 10, citing the late submission of its application, non-compliance with rules during a previous demonstration and concerns over public safety, law and order, and traffic management.Addressing a press conference, Joint Commissioner of Police Nupur Prasad said the New Delhi district police received an application from CJP co-convenor Saurabh Das on October 7, seeking permission to hold a protest demanding accountability from Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.“On October 7, 2026, an application from Saurabh Das, Co-Convenor of the Cockroach Janata Party, was received in the New Delhi District. As per the application, an intimation was given regarding a protest to be held at Jantar Mantar on October 10 concerning the accountability of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC). Upon processing this intimation, it was found that the notice was received at very short notice. Under current guidelines, an application to organise an event at Jantar Mantar must be submitted at least 10 days prior to the scheduled date. It is also important to note that, based on the past conduct of the CJP on a separate occasion, undertakings and lawful directions given previously were not followed," Prasad said."In light of the non-compliance with prescribed procedures, the failure to adhere to past legal directions, and the current state of public safety, law and order, and traffic regulation, permission for the proposed protest at Jantar Mantar is hereby denied,” she added.Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has rejected a plea seeking directions to give Delhi Police a free hand to deal with protesters, observing that the future of young students and their families must be considered in such matters.A bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant said many protesters were young and should not be unnecessarily drawn into prolonged court proceedings.“These are young students and protesters before us. We have to see their parents, we have to see they have a long life. [They should not be] entangled with court hearings etc.,” the CJI said.The court, however, clarified that its earlier orders protecting protesters did not extend to those alleged to be hardened criminals or accused of serious offences.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.