New Delhi, 15 October (H.S.): A petition seeking a ban on the proposed protest by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) at Central Park in Connaught Place on October 16 was mentioned before the Delhi High Court on Thursday.

Senior advocate Sachin Puri mentioned the matter before a Bench headed by Acting Chief Justice Nitin Wasudeo Sambre, arguing that the proposed demonstration should be prohibited. In response, the Acting Chief Justice observed that the Supreme Court was hearing the matter on Thursday and said the High Court would consider it after those proceedings.

During the mentioning, Puri argued that Connaught Place was not a designated venue for protests and pointed out that the proposed demonstration was to be held in the heart of the commercial district. He expressed concern that the festive season had begun and alleged that traders appeared to be the intended targets. The CJP has announced plans to hold a protest at Central Park in Connaught Place on October 16.

Earlier, on October 13, the Delhi High Court had asked the Central Government to clarify its position on petitions filed by traders, vendors and lawyers. The petitions seek regulation of protests in the national capital in accordance with the prescribed Standard Operating Procedure (SOP).

A Bench headed by Acting Chief Justice Nitin Wasudeo Sambre had directed lawyers representing the Central Government and other concerned authorities to obtain instructions on the matter and report back to the court.

Senior advocates appearing for the petitioners had argued that the Supreme Court had already issued several directions governing the regulation of protests and that those directions should be followed.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar