Maharashtra Police in Chandrapur district served notices under Section 168 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita to residents who would attend the CJP protest, demanding they refrain from violent or unlawful activity and to avoid posting inflammatory content on social media. The document also cites Section 37(1)(3) of the Maharashtra Police Act, warning that non‑compliance could lead to preventive or criminal measures.
Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Janata Party, posted a copy of the notice on X, questioning why police were targeting volunteers and implying an attempt to pre‑empt a peaceful march. "Is something already being planned to disrupt our peaceful protest?" he wrote, adding that protecting the party’s chief, Gyanu, may outweigh citizen safety.
The CJP plans to march at Jantar Mantar on October 10, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Co‑convener Saurav Das said the protest would see a “massive mobilisation” of Gen‑Z voters, calling it a national call that belongs to youth rather than the party alone.
A resident of Ballarpur, 56‑year‑old Ramesh, said he received the notice and is worried about his family’s safety if the protest turns violent. He added that the police’s warning has heightened anxiety among local workers who fear legal repercussions.
If the police instructions are ignored, authorities may file preventive notices and initiate criminal proceedings under the BNSS, potentially curbing the protest before it begins. The CJP has vowed to proceed, while police remain prepared to enforce the notice’s provisions.