NDMC has announced the closure of Central Park in Connaught Place for two days ahead of the proposed CJP protest in Delhi. The Delhi High Court recorded police assurances to regulate the demonstration amid concerns over traffic, public disruption and traders’ losses.
The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has announced the closure of Central Park in Connaught Place for two days ahead of a proposed protest by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and its founder, Abhijeet Dipke. In a public notice issued on Thursday, the civic body said the park would remain closed to the general public on Friday and Saturday due to administrative reasons.
The closure comes amid legal proceedings concerning the proposed demonstration, with concerns raised over its potential impact on business activities, traffic movement and public life in the busy commercial area of the national capital.
Earlier on Thursday, the Delhi High Court recorded an assurance from the Delhi Police that all possible measures under the law would be taken to control and regulate the proposed protest. The assurance was given after a petitioner expressed apprehension that the gathering could disrupt commercial activities in Connaught Place, particularly during the festive period.
A Bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Nitin Wasudeo Sambre and Justice Sanjay Sharma took the assurance on record. Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma, appearing for the Centre and the Delhi Police, informed the court about the steps being taken by the authorities to regulate the activities of Dipke.
The High Court was hearing a petition filed by Anil Kumar Gupta, a street vendor at Palika Bazar in Connaught Place. The petitioner sought directions to prevent the CJP from organising an agitation, demonstration, march or gathering at Central Park or any other location not designated as an authorised protest venue.
Representing the petitioner, senior advocate Sacchin Puri argued that the proposed demonstration could seriously affect businesses operating in Connaught Place. He highlighted concerns that the protest coincided with a major Hindu festival and a busy festive weekend, when commercial establishments generally expect increased customer activity.
Puri urged the court to directly restrain Dipke from holding the proposed demonstration. According to the petitioner’s submissions, traders in the area had already suffered substantial financial losses over the preceding week, and further disruption could worsen their situation.
The petition also raised concerns about possible traffic congestion, disruption of public movement and inconvenience to visitors and businesses in the Connaught Place area.
During the hearing, the Bench was informed that Dipke had already been served notice through email. Recording the assurance given by the Centre’s law officer, the High Court stated that the petitioner’s concerns would be addressed and that the authorities would take all possible legal measures to control and regulate the activities of the CJP founder.
The court’s order noted that the authorities had already taken action in this regard and would continue to take measures permitted under the law. The matter has been listed for further consideration on November 3.
The petition had been mentioned before the Acting Chief Justice earlier in the day, with the petitioner seeking urgent intervention ahead of the proposed gathering.
Meanwhile, NDMC’s announcement means that members of the public will not be able to access Central Park on Friday and Saturday. The civic body’s notice cited administrative reasons for the temporary closure.
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The developments highlight the preparations being made by civic and law enforcement authorities ahead of the proposed demonstration. The main concerns raised before the court relate to maintaining public order, ensuring smooth traffic movement and preventing disruption to businesses in one of Delhi’s prominent commercial districts.
The Delhi Police has assured the High Court that it will act within the framework of the law to regulate the proposed activities. Further consideration of the matter is scheduled for November 3.
