Delhi Police have officially denied permission for a planned protest by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) at Jantar Mantar on October 10. The decision stems from the organization's failure to submit their application within the mandatory 10-day advance period, according to Police Commissioner Nupur Prasad.
Prasad stated that CJP's Saurav Das submitted the application on Wednesday, falling short of the required lead time. She also highlighted that the CJP had reportedly failed to adhere to protest guidelines on previous occasions. Authorities have issued a stern warning, indicating that legal action would be taken if the group proceeds with any demonstration in violation of the rules.
Business Concerns Amidst Protests
This development occurs as the Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) has called for restrictions on large-scale protests in central Delhi, particularly during the upcoming festive season. CTI Chairman Brijesh Goyal expressed concerns in a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, arguing that repeated demonstrations at key locations like Jantar Mantar, Parliament Street, and Lutyens' Delhi severely impact traders and customer movement.
Goyal emphasized the critical importance of the festive period, which begins with Navratri and Ramlila events on October 11, followed by Diwali and the wedding season. He noted that these months are crucial for the approximately 15 lakh traders in the national capital. A recent CTI survey indicated a significant downturn, with business activity in Delhi's markets reportedly falling by around 70 percent over the past three days. The survey also claimed a sharp decline in customer footfall, both from outside and within Delhi, attributed to metro station closures, traffic congestion, and general disruptions caused by protests.
Proposals for Alternative Protest Zones
While acknowledging the democratic right to peaceful protest, CTI General Secretary Gurmeet Arora suggested that the government should issue new guidelines for demonstrations involving over 1,000 people in prominent central Delhi areas. The organization also proposed establishing permanent protest zones outside the city center, specifically mentioning Burari or the Ramlila Maidan as potential locations, to mitigate the economic impact on businesses during crucial trading periods.