Delhi Central Park Closed Ahead of CJP’s ‘Lahra Do Tiranga’ March; Police Enforce Restrictions

Security has been tightened in the Connaught Place area of the national capital ahead of a planned ‘Lahra Do Tiranga’ march by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) on Friday, October 16. The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has announced that Central Park in Connaught Place will remain closed on October 16 and 17.

Delhi Police have appealed to the public to avoid the affected area and referred to restrictions on public gatherings. The traffic police have also issued an advisory warning that movement on several major roads could be affected.

The planned march has drawn attention because of the security arrangements, the closure of a major public space and concerns raised by local traders about possible disruption to business.

Why Has Central Park Been Closed?

According to the information provided by police, the NDMC informed Delhi Police that Central Park would remain closed for two days for administrative reasons. The civic body also asked police to make strong security arrangements and prevent unauthorised entry into the park.

Central Park is located in the heart of Connaught Place, one of Delhi’s major commercial and public areas. It is surrounded by shops, restaurants, offices and other businesses. A large gathering in the area can affect both pedestrian movement and road traffic.

Police said the arrangements were intended to maintain public order, protect people and property, and prevent any untoward incident.

Delhi Police Cite Section 163

Delhi Police have said that Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) is in force in Connaught Place and nearby areas.

Section 163 gives an authorised magistrate the power to issue urgent orders to prevent possible danger, public disturbance or threats to safety. Depending on the order issued, it can be used to restrict gatherings or certain activities.

What does this mean for the public? People planning to visit Connaught Place should check the latest police and traffic advisories, follow instructions from officials and avoid restricted areas. The exact restrictions depend on the orders in force.

DCP Explains Security Arrangements

According to the supplied report, Deputy Commissioner of Police Neha Yadav said at a press conference on Friday that NDMC had formally informed the police about the park’s closure on October 16 and 17.

The police have been asked to ensure that unauthorised people do not enter the park during the closure. Authorities are also monitoring the situation ahead of the planned gathering.

Police arrangements are especially important in busy commercial areas, where a large crowd can create difficulties for emergency vehicles, shoppers, employees and local residents.

CJP Calls for a Tricolour March

The CJP has urged people through social media and a press conference to gather at Central Park at 5 pm on October 16, carrying the Indian national flag. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has also appealed to its workers and supporters to join the protest.

The demonstration is linked to the CJP’s opposition to alleged irregularities in electoral rolls and the detention of party leaders Ashutosh Ranka and Saurav Das. According to media reports, the two leaders were sent to judicial custody following allegations that they violated peace bonds and entered Jantar Mantar without authorisation. These are reported allegations and should not be treated as a finding of guilt.

CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke has also alleged that undercover police personnel are following him. This claim has not been independently verified in the reports reviewed for this article.

Police May Allow a Small Group to Carry the National Flag

Although police have urged the public not to join an unauthorised gathering, media reports say they indicated that a small group of people could be allowed to carry the national flag and sing the national anthem at a suitable location, subject to conditions. The Delhi High Court reportedly declined to stop the proposed protest outright but recorded the police’s assurance that appropriate legal steps would be taken to regulate it and maintain public order.

This distinction is important: a court’s decision not to prohibit a proposed protest does not automatically mean that every location, route or form of gathering has been authorised. Participants must follow the applicable police orders and any conditions imposed.

Traders Raise Concerns About Business Losses

Connaught Place is one of Delhi’s important shopping and business districts. Its shops, restaurants and markets depend on regular customer movement, especially during the festive season.

According to police statements reported by the media, local traders and market associations have sought protection for their businesses, citing concerns about unlawful gatherings and possible disruption.

The issue has also reached the Delhi High Court through a petition raising concerns about the effect of the proposed march on commercial activity. Authorities have told the court that they will take steps under the law to regulate the situation.

For shopkeepers, even a short period of restricted access can mean fewer customers and lower sales. At the same time, peaceful protest is an important democratic activity.

Authorities must therefore manage public safety and lawful expression while considering the impact on people who live or work in the area.

What Should Delhi Residents Know?

People planning to visit Connaught Place on October 16 or 17 should keep these points in mind: -Central Park: Closed to the general public on both days, according to the NDMC notice. -Public gatherings: Section 163 of the BNSS is in force in Connaught Place and nearby areas, according to Delhi Police. -Traffic: Check current traffic advisories before travelling through central Delhi. -Public safety: Follow police instructions and do not enter restricted areas. -- Protests: Do not assume that a gathering is authorised simply because it has been announced online.

The situation highlights the challenge of balancing public safety, freedom of peaceful assembly and the daily needs of businesses in a busy city centre. The immediate priority for authorities is to prevent clashes, protect people and property, and communicate clearly about any permitted gathering.