Delhi, India, October 15, 2026: Delhi High Court today is expected to hear a plea at 2:30 pm against the protest that is being planned by the leader of Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) at Central Park in Connaught Place, which is expected to be held on Friday, October 16. The protest has generated worries about potential traffic issues, business disruptions and inconvenience to people living in this busiest area of New Delhi.
Why is this Protest Being Organized?
Abhijeet Dipke has appealed to people to assemble at Central Park holding the Indian National Flag with the campaign slogan “Lehra Do Tiranga” meaning “Raise the Tricolour.” This comes after two CJP leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka have been put under five days of judicial custody and shifted to Tihar Jail.
According to reports, the two leaders were arrested over allegations of entering Jantar Mantar without permission, violating their peace bonds and obstructing police personnel on duty. Dipke has claimed that they were jailed for raising the national flag. The planned gathering is linked to his response to their arrest and the restrictions surrounding protests in Delhi. Source: India Today and LiveLaw.
Why Has the Petition Been Filed?
Anil Kumar Gupta, a licensed street vendor who works in Connaught Place, has filed the petition challenging the planned protest. Senior advocate Sachin Puri presented the matter before a bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Nitin Sambre and Justice Sanjay Sharma.
The petitioner has argued that a large gathering at Central Park could affect the entire Connaught Place area. According to the petition, roads, footpaths and metro station entrances may face restrictions, making it difficult for people to travel and access nearby businesses.
Gupta has also expressed concern about the financial impact on shopkeepers, street vendors and daily-wage workers who depend on regular customer visits. His concerns are particularly significant because the protest is scheduled during the Dussehra festive period, when many people may visit the area for shopping and other activities.
The petition also points out that Jantar Mantar has recently been removed from the list of designated protest sites. Delhi Police has named Ramlila Maidan, Burari Ground and CBD Ground as new locations for demonstrations. The petitioner argues that protests should take place at approved venues without blocking public roads or affecting people’s livelihoods.
What Has the High Court Said?
The Delhi High Court has agreed to hear the matter urgently. The bench asked the petitioner’s lawyer to inform the other parties and return at 2:30 PM with details of the case and the relevant Supreme Court order.
The court has not yet announced a final decision on whether the October 16 protest should be stopped. Its hearing will consider the petition and the concerns raised about the proposed gathering.
What Happens Next?
The hearing could clarify whether the planned demonstration can take place at Central Park or whether restrictions are needed. The matter highlights the challenge of balancing the right to peaceful protest with the need to protect public movement, businesses and daily activities.
The court’s decision is expected to be important for the planned gathering and could affect arrangements for the following day. Until a decision is announced, the petitioner’s concerns remain allegations presented before the court, rather than a confirmed outcome of the protest.
