NEW DELHI: Delhi police has justified its restrictions on a proposed protest by the Cockroach Janta Party at Jantar Mantar, citing past violence, alleged assaults on women constables and the need to maintain public safety. The police said the organisers were proceeding without permission and stressed that the temporary curbs were necessary to prevent overcrowding and keep the capital functioning. In a statement posted on X, the force said, "The right to protest must be protected, but so must the right of a city to function safely. Responsible policing is about balancing both." The police cited violence during a protest in July to explain its concerns. According to the statement, permission had been granted for a one-day demonstration, but it continued for a month. More than 200 police personnel were injured, while over 2,000 people with criminal antecedents joined the protest, contributing to the violence. The police said the situation eventually spiralled out of control, leading to clashes in which students were also injured. It added that women constables had been molested and assaulted by protesters at Jantar Mantar in the past week.
Crowd management and public safety
The police also pointed to the limited capacity of Jantar Mantar, saying the site could accommodate only 1,000 people at a time. It said restrictions were needed to prevent overcrowding and protect protesters, residents, shopkeepers and others in the area. The force said Delhi Police had to balance the right to protest with the safety of residents and the capital's economic interests. It added that the city could not be brought to a halt every time a demonstration took place. According to the statement, seeking permission allows authorities to estimate crowd numbers and plan traffic diversions, emergency access and safe movement around the protest site. The police said this would help demonstrators raise their concerns while allowing residents, workers and businesses to continue with their daily activities.
Police cite legal position on unauthorised protests
The police said the Cockroach Janta Party was proceeding with its planned gathering without permission. Citing the Supreme Court's position, the statement said a protest held without permission was unlawful and participants could face prosecution. It added that organisers were responsible for explaining the legal position to those they invited to attend. "The restrictions being put in place today are temporary. They are intended to regulate the flow of people, prevent overcrowding and keep protesters, residents, shopkeepers and others in the area safe," the statement read. The police said the precautions were intended to ensure that people could raise their concerns peacefully without compromising public safety or disrupting the functioning of the city.
