New Delhi [India], October 7 (ANI): The Delhi Police on Wednesday said that prior permission from the competent authority is mandatory for organising any meeting, demonstration, sit-in, or protest at Jantar Mantar, in accordance with the Supreme Court’s order in Writ Petition (Civil), Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan vs. Union of India & Others, and the Delhi Police Standing Order issued in compliance with the said order.
Delhi Police said, “Applications seeking such permission are required to be submitted to the Deputy Commissioner of Police, New Delhi District, at least 10 days prior to the proposed event.”
Further, Delhi Police said protests, demonstrations, and sit-ins are prohibited in the Central Vista area, including India Gate, C-Hexagon, Man Singh Road, Janpath, Rajpath, and the adjoining lawns.
The Delhi Police Standing Order of 2022 further prescribes designated venues according to the expected number of participants: up to 1,000 participants at Jantar Mantar, 1,000 to 50,000 participants at Ramlila Maidan and more than 50,000 participants at Burari.
“All concerned persons are required to comply with these directions. Any violation may attract legal action in accordance with law,” Delhi Police further said.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday said that the opposition parties will continue their struggle even after cases were filed against them, as the leaders were stopped before reaching Jantar Mantar to protest against CEC Gyanesh Kumar and alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise.
Sharing a picture of him and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, Kharge wrote on X, “No matter how many cases you file, No matter how much you try to scare us, We are not the ones to get scared, We will keep laughing and keep moving forward. We will continue the struggle.”
Kharge’s jibe came after Delhi Police registered an FIR in connection with Congress MPs Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and other INDIA bloc MPs allegedly entering the Akashvani Bhavan premises without permission during their protest against the Election Commission on Tuesday.
Heavy security was deployed near Jantar Mantar in the national capital as INDIA bloc MPs moved towards the protest site against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar.
Earlier in the afternoon, the INDIA bloc MPs attended a meeting convened by Congress president and Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge to discuss the issue concerning the CEC.
After yesterday’s protest march and dharna at Akashvani Bhawan, the opposition leaders have stepped up their agitation and are approaching Jantar Mantar. (ANI)
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