Mumbai Police Rejects CJP Protest Plan Against CEC Gyanesh Kumar on Gandhi Jayanti

Mumbai Police has refused the Cockroach Janta Party permission to hold its October 2 rally, citing Shivaji Park rules, traffic and noise worries. Cofounder Abhijeet Dipke says a Jail Bharo Andolan will follow if the “right to protest” is denied.

The CJP protest planned for October 2 in Mumbai has hit a roadblock. Mumbai Police has denied permission to the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) for a rally against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar. Officials cited limits on gatherings at Shivaji Park, along with worries over traffic and noise pollution.

CJP cofounder Abhijeet Dipke shared the news on Sunday. He said the party was refused permission for its Gandhi Jayanti event. Dipke warned that the CJP will start a Jail Bharo Andolan in Mumbai on Gandhi Jayanti if their “right to protest” is denied.

The party had called for nationwide protests on October 2. The call was to stand if the CEC did not step down by September 26. The demand followed allegations of dissent inside the election commission over its practices and decisions. CJP had said the countrywide CJP protest would begin from Mumbai.

What made Mumbai Police say no to the CJP protest?

Police said they cannot grant permission for gatherings at Shivaji Park. They pointed to a High Court judgment in PIL 116/2009 dated 04/01/2013. A later order of the Government of Maharashtra dated 20/01/16 also applies. Officials said these rulings leave them without the power to clear events at the ground.

The police notification carried a direct message for the organiser. It said: “It has been explained to applicant Ajinkya Shinde and he has also been advised to look for alternate venues in Mumbai City for the protest and ask for permission, which will be considered in an appropriate manner,”

Police also flagged the site as a silence zone and a residential area. They said the proposed gathering could lead to noise pollution.

Traffic and schools add to the concerns

Mumbai Police warned that the protest could cause heavy traffic congestion in the area. Several schools sit in the surrounding neighbourhood. Police said traffic disruption from the programme could hurt students. Other people travelling through the vicinity could also face trouble.

What is the row over dissent within the EC?

CEC Kumar sits at the centre of a controversy around the Election Commission. An investigative report alleged differences between the two election commissioners and Kumar. The Election Commission rejected these claims on Saturday. It reasserted that the full commission took key decisions unanimously. These include the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter rolls.

The poll body said differing views and observations are a normal part of institutional deliberations. It also asserted that its orders have full legal sanction and follow statutory procedures.