NDMC denied a permit for the Cockroach Janta Party’s planned demonstration at Central Park in Connaught Place on Friday, October 16, 2026, a move that would have seen supporters gather to protest the actions of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
The protest call came from CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke, who urged party cadres to assemble at 6 p.m. carrying the national flag. Dipke’s invitation followed the recent arrests of CJP leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka, heightening tensions over the party’s demand for the CEC’s resignation.
NDMC officials said the denial was based on municipal regulations governing public gatherings in the city’s central zone. The council highlighted that Central Park falls under a restricted area where unlicensed assemblies can disrupt traffic and security arrangements.
The CJP has indicated it will appeal the decision to the Delhi High Court, arguing that the ban infringes on the right to protest. If the court upholds the denial, the party may relocate to an alternative venue or suspend its campaign until the legal process concludes.
Meanwhile, opposition lawmakers in the state assembly have expressed concern that the ban could set a precedent for restricting political dissent in public spaces, especially ahead of the upcoming general elections.
The next scheduled hearing in the Delhi High Court for the CJP’s petition is slated for November 4, 2026, after which the party will decide whether to proceed with a new protest plan or negotiate a compromise with municipal authorities.