Delhi High Court refuses to halt police measures as Connaught Place secures Central Park

Authorities across New Delhi have stepped up security and closed Central Park in Connaught Place ahead of an unsanctioned demonstration called by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP). The preventative steps follow a hearing at the Delhi High Court, which declined to block administrative and police actions to regulate and manage order in the central commercial district.

With the festive retail season underway, the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) issued a public notice closing Central Park on 16 and 17 October for administrative reasons. The civic body formally requested that Delhi Police secure the area against unlawful entry and ensure everyday commercial activity in the capital remains undisturbed.

Security measures across Connaught Place

Delhi Police has mobilised extensive security arrangements across Lutyens' Delhi, detailing more than 6,000 personnel and setting aside another 5,000 from neighbouring districts. The deployment is reinforced by central forces to guarantee smooth movement and civic stability.

Barricades have been positioned near strategic intersections, including Patel Chowk, ITO, and Sansad Marg, while leaving key transit corridors open. Police stated that additional Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) units are operating in rotational shifts of 30 companies each to prevent congestion and secure vital infrastructure.

Safeguarding public order and commerce

Delhi Police PRO Neha Yadav confirmed that prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) remain in force throughout Connaught Place. Yadav noted that no permission was granted for the mass rally, pointing out that several trade and market associations in the area had submitted formal appeals seeking protection for shops and commercial establishments from disruptive gatherings during peak business days.

Authorities emphasised that while demonstrations must comply with designated venues and statutory rules, the administration remains open to permitting a limited group to carry the national flag at an appropriate, regulated location under prescribed decorum.

Background to the planned gathering

CJP convenor Abhijeet Dipke announced the flag demonstration after party members Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka were remanded to five days of judicial custody for allegedly trespassing into private property to access Jantar Mantar, a denotified protest site, in breach of peace-keeping bonds. The party has demanded a halt to the Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.

BJP Rajya Sabha MP Sushmita Dev clarified that the administration's actions uphold lawful boundaries established by the Supreme Court regarding restricted demonstration zones. Emphasising that national security and urban stability must take precedence, Dev noted that statutory restrictions exist to protect civic institutions from disorder while balancing legitimate public expression.