Will take all possible measures to control CJP protest on October 16: Delhi Police to Delhi High Court

The Delhi Police assured the Delhi High Court on Thursday that it will take "all possible measures" to control the Cockroach Janta Party's (CJP) protest in Connaught Place on October 16.

Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Chetan Sharma made the statement before a bench of Acting Chief Justice Nitin Wasudeo Sambre and Justice Sanjay Sharma.

The Court recorded the assurance.

“When confronted, the ASG, appearing for the rest of the respondents assures that the apprehension of the petitioner shall be taken care of, as the respondents have taken enough steps in the matter to control and regulate the activity of Respondent Number 6 [CJP through its founder Abhijeet Dipke], and if so required, all possible steps in accordance with law shall be taken in the matter. The assurance is taken on record," the Court recorded in its order.

ASG Chetan Sharma asked the Court to clarify that Respondent Number 6 (CJP through its founder Dipke) would include his associates.

"Because they will say I am injuncted, but my right-hand man will continue. So, the cause of action remains," Sharma submitted.

The Court said Respondent Number 6 will include office bearers of CJP and everybody.

Puri asked the Court to specifically restrain CJP so that if there is a violation of the Court's order, they can file a criminal contempt.

"We have passed an order now, Mr Puri. Don't insist on that," the Court said.

The High Court was hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by one Anil Kumar Gupta.

CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke has called on citizens to gather with national flag at Central Park in Connaught Place at 5 pm on October 16 to protest the detention of party leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka.

The call came after the two leaders were remanded to five days of judicial custody for allegedly entering Jantar Mantar without authorisation.

The petitioner before the High Court said that he is a street vendor at Palika Bazar in Connaught Place. Gupta has sought a ban on protests in Central Delhi, including Connaught Place.

Gupta sought a direction to CJP not to hold any agitation, demonstration, march or gathering at Central Park, Connaught Place or at any other place which is not a designated venue

Senior Advocate Sacchin Puri appeared for the petitioner and argued that CP which is not a designated protest site and that the protest there would cause substantial loss to the traders.

"Dussehra is about to come, the illegal protest has been called. We are seeking directions that this protest shall not take place," he submitted.

As Bench questioned ASG Sharma about why the petitioners are apprehensive and if the authorities are taking any action, ASG Sharma submitted that perhpas the petitioner apprehends that lawless and anarchy that happened earlier may unfold tomorrow as well.

After hearing the case briefly, the Court recorded Delhi Police's assurance that all possible measures will be taken to control the protest.

Senior Advocates Sacchin Puri and Sanjay Poddar appeared for the petitioner.

ASG Chetan Sharma with advocates Ashish Dixit, Amit Tiwari and Apoorv Shukla appeared for Delhi Police and other government authorities. 

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