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Delhi Police ask Dipke to call off Connaught Place demonstration, say area is not a protest site
Dipke had announced a Tiranga gathering in CP's Central Park to protest against ‘illegal arrest’ of CJP leaders Ashutosh Ranka and Saurav Das.
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Delhi Police has prohibited CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke from holding any form of demonstration, procession or rally in the vicinity of Connaught Place, citing the need to protect public safety, traffic movement and the rights of citizens and traders.
In a notice served to Dipke on Friday, Delhi Police told CJP founder that “Connaught Place is not a notified protest site and that demonstrations may be held at designated venues, subject to the necessary permission being sought and granted.” It further said that such an “unlawful assembly” posed a serious risk to public order and infringed on the rights of other citizens.
A prohibitory order under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) is currently in force in the area and any violation could invite action under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, and other applicable laws, police told Dipke.
“Not only has no permission been sought, but any unauthorised public gathering could critically imperil the factors mentioned by the Hon’ble Apex Court,” the notice stated.
Dipke had announced a Tiranga event on social media two days ago, urging protesters to assemble at Connaught Place at 5 pm on October 16.
Delhi Police said the event could disrupt traffic and affect businesses, including showrooms, restaurants, hotels, banks, offices and street vendors. Police, in the notice, also warned of possible congestion or a stampede near Rajiv Chowk Metro station, which caters to an average of two lakh commuters daily.
“It (CP) houses a dense concentration of showrooms, restaurants, hotels, banks, offices and street vendors, so any disruption, particularly during evening and weekend hours, as well as the peak festival season, directly affects the livelihood of traders and their employees. Over 15 lakh traders and their employees depend on its peaceful and orderly functioning for the exercise of their fundamental right,” the notice read.
Delhi Police said several arterial roads pass through CP, and their obstruction could paralyse traffic across central Delhi. It also cited, in the notice, the area's proximity to Parliament, the Central Secretariat and diplomatic precincts, raising concerns about public order and security.
Police further said narrow service lanes and older buildings could impede the movement of fire tenders and ambulances, potentially compromising emergency response services.
Police also cited previous demonstrations by the CJP, alleging that protesters had violated permission conditions and that earlier calls for a march to Parliament had resulted in violence and damage to public and private property.
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