Delhi Police deny permission for CJP protest at Jantar Mantar on Oct 10; Home Secretary writes to states
Home Secretary Govind Mohan has asked all states and Union Territories to maintain law and order and tighten security ahead of the proposed protest.
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New Delhi: Delhi Police have refused permission to the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) to hold a protest at Jantar Mantar in Delhi on October 10. Following this, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan has directed the police chiefs of all states and Union Territories to maintain law and order and strengthen security arrangements.
Delhi Police issued an official order on October 9 rejecting the CJP's application. The police said the required procedure had not been followed. They also said that the directions issued by the Supreme Court on July 23, 2018 on gatherings in the area must be complied with.
Home Secretary Govind Mohan has since written to all states and Union Territories asking them to coordinate with Delhi Police. The letter asks them to take precautionary steps within the framework of the law, keeping in view the likely crowds and the protest.
The letter says that despite the denial of permission, the CJP and its supporters may try to come to Delhi from different states. The agencies concerned have therefore been asked to remain alert and take the necessary precautionary measures.
The letter also alleges that the CJP and organisations supporting it had not followed legal directions during earlier protests. According to the letter, such incidents affected public order and damaged public as well as private property.
The letter also refers to information from intelligence agencies that some supporters may try to enter Delhi even after permission was denied. To prevent any untoward incident, the states and Union Territories have been asked to keep sharing information continuously among their intelligence agencies, the transport authorities in border areas and Delhi Police.
Directions have also been given to take the necessary steps immediately to protect critical infrastructure and maintain public peace. The Home Secretary underlined in the letter that maintaining law and order is a constitutional responsibility. Given the proposed protest on October 10, the letter therefore stresses coordination among the agencies of different states and security planning.
