CJP's Oct 16 stir: Delhi Police signals conditional nod for flag-waving, anthem

Ahead of the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) proposed ‘Lehra Do Tiranga’ march at Connaught Place on Friday, Delhi Police said it may consider allowing a select group of people to gather at a suitable location to carry the national flag and sing the national anthem. The statement comes amid restrictions on gatherings in the area and the New Delhi Municipal Council’s (NDMC) decision to shut Central Park for two days.

DCP PRO Neha Yadav said the CJP had appealed to the public through social media and a press conference to assemble at Central Park at 5 pm on October 16. She added that the Aam Aadmi Party had also urged its workers, supporters and the general public to attend in large numbers.

“Given the current security and law-and-order situation, a prohibitory order under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) is already in effect in Connaught Place and its surrounding areas, aimed at maintaining peace and order and ensuring the safety of individuals as well as public and private property,” Yadav said. She said Delhi Police had been asked to make security arrangements at Central Park and prevent unauthorised entry.

Yadav also said market and trade associations had sought protection for their establishments, alleging that unlawful gatherings were affecting business during the festive season. “The Delhi Police appeals to protesters and the general public not to participate in any gathering that violates the orders issued under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), which is currently in force. Appropriate legal action will be taken against those who violate these orders,” she said.

Yadav added that any permitted gathering must follow the prescribed rules for the national flag and anthem. “When carrying or accompanying the national flag, and during the singing of the national anthem, prescribed rules must be followed, and the utmost respect, dignity, and decorum must be maintained toward both the tricolour and the national anthem,” she said.

Earlier, in a notice dated October 15, the NDMC said, “It is hereby informed that the Central Park, Connaught Place, shall remain closed to the general public on 16th October 2026 & 17th October 2026, due to administrative reasons.” The closure comes after the CJP announced the march on Wednesday. On Thursday, founder Abhijit Dipke urged political parties and civil society groups to join the protest, saying, “I request all political parties and civil society groups to rise above ideology and come together. If the right to vote is not saved, democracy will not be saved.”

Earlier, the Delhi Police told the high court that it will take “appropriate steps” against Dipke’s proposed protest. Police also cited prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), imposed to maintain law and order and protect public and private property. The submission came as the high court heard a plea by Palika Bazar vendor Anil Kumar Gupta, who sought intervention against the proposed ‘Lehra Do Tiranga’ march, arguing that protests could disrupt business and threaten traders’ livelihoods.

The plea was mentioned before acting Chief Justice Nitin Wasudeo Sambre on Thursday. Senior advocate Sacchin Puri, appearing for the petitioner, told the court, “This protest has to be stopped.” The march follows the arrest of CJP leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka, who were sent to five days of judicial custody after raising slogans demanding Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation at Jantar Mantar.