Delhi. The police has adopted a strict stance regarding the 'Lehra Do Tiranga' march in Delhi. Hours before the proposed march at Central Park in Connaught Place at 5 pm on Friday, more than 20 Delhi Police personnel reached the residence of 'Cockroach Janata Party' (CJP) founder Abhijit Deepke and handed him a notice not to protest. The police have given instructions not to organize the march, citing the possibility of law and order being disturbed due to imposition of prohibitory orders and gathering of crowd.
Central Park closed on 16 and 17 October
CJP had called for a 'Lehra Do Tiranga' march at Central Park in Connaught Place at 5 pm on Friday evening. However, the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has closed the Central Park for October 16 and 17. The police have also tightened security arrangements regarding the march. According to officials, more than 6,000 police personnel and 220 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) have been deployed to maintain law and order in the New Delhi area.
Police listed these reasons in the notice
According to the copy of the notice available with 'PTI-Bhasha', the in-charge of Connaught Place police station has issued this notice. In this, citing the instructions of the Delhi High Court, it has been said that on October 16, at 5 pm, a public statement and appeal was made on social media regarding the gathering in Connaught Place without legal permission. Police said in the notice that Connaught Place is a major commercial center of the capital. There are limited ways of entry and exit here. In such a situation, due to crowd gathering at one circle, traffic in other parts may be disrupted. This can cause difficulty in controlling the crowd and evacuating people safely in case of emergency.
Fear of impact on Rajiv Chowk Metro and markets
The notice also mentioned the commercial importance of Connaught Place. There are a large number of showrooms, restaurants, hotels, banks and offices here. There is a fear that the livelihood of businessmen and employees will be affected due to crowding or traffic disruption. The police also mentioned Rajiv Chowk metro station, which is the major interchange between the Blue and Yellow lines. According to the notice, there is an average movement of two lakh passengers every day from this station. In such a situation, there is a danger of a traffic jam and stampede-like situation due to the gathering of a large crowd. Furthermore, Connaught Place is close to Parliament, the Central Secretariat and diplomatic areas. Police feared that public safety and order could be affected as the crowd moved towards protected areas.
Citing prohibitory order, warning of action against violation
In the notice, the police have cited the prohibitory order imposed under Section 163 of the Indian Civil Security Code (BNSS). It warns that if the order is violated, action can be taken under Section 223 of the Indian Justice Code, 2023 and other applicable provisions of law. Citing various sections of the Delhi Police Act, 1978, the notice has prohibited Abhijit Deepke from organizing demonstrations, processions or rallies, carrying instruments that can be used as weapons and using loudspeakers in Connaught Place and surrounding areas. The police have also mentioned that peace and order was disrupted during the previous CJP protests.
Advice on visiting the places scheduled for the demonstration
The notice states that Connaught Place is not the designated venue for the protest. The protesters have been advised to use the places designated by the government. However, for this it will be necessary to obtain permission from the concerned authorities as per rules. The police have asked Abhijeet Deepke to follow the law and not take any step that would affect the movement and safety of common citizens, traders, passengers, patients and others.