The Ministry of Home Affairs has directed states and Union Territories to coordinate with Delhi Police and prevent unauthorised mobilisation for the CJP protest at Jantar Mantar on October 10, citing law and order concerns and potential disruptions.
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has directed all states and Union Territories (UTs) to coordinate with Delhi Police and take immediate preventive measures to stop protesters associated with the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) from mobilising towards the national Capital for a proposed demonstration at Jantar Mantar on October 10. The directive comes amid concerns over public order, unauthorised mobilisation and possible disruptions in Delhi.
The proposed protest has been called to demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. However, authorities have rejected the request to hold the demonstration and prohibited the proposed assembly, according to the MHA communication sent to police chiefs across the country.
In its letter to the Directors General of Police (DGPs) of all states and Union Territories, the Ministry highlighted the need for coordinated action to prevent CJP supporters from entering Delhi without authorisation. It said intelligence inputs indicated that the organisation and its supporting groups might attempt to mobilise people from different parts of the country despite the prohibition imposed by the authorities.
The MHA has called for immediate preventive measures within the framework of law, alongside continuous and real-time intelligence sharing among state and UT intelligence agencies, border and transit authorities, and Delhi Police. The coordination is intended to identify and prevent unauthorised movements towards the national Capital and maintain public peace.
MHA Flags Law and Order Concerns
The Union Home Secretary described the proposed mobilisation at Jantar Mantar as an issue with serious law and order and public order implications. The Ministry stressed that authorities must ensure compliance with lawful directions and take necessary steps to prevent any breach of public tranquillity.
The communication also referred to a 2018 Supreme Court order, emphasising that established protocols governing assemblies in the designated area must be followed strictly. The Ministry said maintaining public order and ensuring compliance with the law remained essential responsibilities of the concerned authorities.
“The Ministry views the maintenance of law and order and public order as a non-negotiable constitutional imperative. Strict and uncompromising execution of the above is solicited to uphold the rule of law,” the letter stated.
The directive calls on states and Union Territories to work closely with Delhi Police and operationalise preventive measures under the applicable statutory and operational framework. Authorities have also been asked to remain alert to possible attempts by protesters to travel towards Delhi in defiance of the prohibition.
Previous Mobilisations Cited in MHA Letter
The Ministry further alleged that the CJP, along with supporting political parties, organisations and individuals, had a history of failing to comply with lawful directions during previous events.
According to the communication, earlier mobilisations involving supporters travelling to Delhi from different states had resulted in disruptions to public order and damage to public and private property. The Ministry cited these incidents as reasons for taking precautionary steps ahead of the proposed October 10 demonstration.
“Their past mobilisations from different states into Delhi resulted in significant disruptions of public order and damage to public/private property,” the letter said.
The MHA warned that attempts to enter the national Capital without authorisation could create fresh law and order challenges. It said coordinated preventive action was necessary to safeguard public tranquillity and protect critical infrastructure.
The Ministry’s instructions place particular emphasis on communication between police forces and intelligence agencies in different states, as well as officials responsible for border and transit movement. The objective is to ensure that relevant information is shared promptly and that authorities can respond to potential violations within the framework of the law.
Train Cancellations Disrupt Passenger Travel
Meanwhile, several trains were cancelled amid heightened security arrangements in connection with the proposed protest, causing inconvenience to passengers travelling to different destinations on Saturday.
Passengers at railway stations reported difficulties after the cancellations, with some having to change their travel plans at short notice. The disruption added to the challenges faced by travellers during the security measures introduced ahead of the planned demonstration.
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The MHA’s directive comes as authorities seek to prevent unauthorised mobilisation and avoid possible disturbances in Delhi. With the proposed gathering prohibited, the Centre has instructed states and Union Territories to coordinate with Delhi Police and take preventive steps to maintain public order.
The situation highlights the administrative challenges involved in managing inter-state mobilisation and enforcing restrictions on public gatherings. Authorities are expected to focus on intelligence sharing, coordination among security agencies and compliance with applicable legal directions to prevent any breach of public peace.
