Delhi Police Deploy 25,000 Central Forces as CJP Defies Ban on Jantar Mantar Protest

Delhi Police has mobilised approximately 25,000 central force personnel alongside nearly 15,000 local police officers ahead of a planned protest by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) at Jantar Mantar on Saturday. The demonstration is against the Standard Inclusion Ratio (SIR) of electoral rolls and seeks the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

The New Delhi range police denied permission for the October 10 protest, citing public safety, law-and-order concerns, and traffic issues. The police also noted that the notice was filed only one day in advance instead of the required 10 days under official guidelines, and pointed to alleged non-compliance during a previous CJP protest.

CJP co-convener Saurav Das submitted an intimation letter on October 7, contending that Jantar Mantar is a designated protest site and that the police should facilitate rather than obstruct peaceful gatherings. CJP convener Abhijeet Dipke said the protest would proceed despite the ban, with organisers prepared to face arrest. He questioned the restrictions on public transport and criticised what he called government fear of youth activism.