Neha Bora Starts March as Delhi Police Detain CJP Chief

Drones are watching crowds in central Delhi as All India Students’ Association leader Neha Bora begins a march, while Cockroach Janata Party chief Abhijeet Dipke is detained. Police have also moved to clear people near Palika Bazaar and stepped up security around Mandi House. The rival gatherings are taking place as police block the CJP’s planned flag march at Connaught Place. ^1,10

Dipke had called for supporters to wave the national flag at Central Park at 5 pm. But police served him notices banning the event and detained him before he could join it. Police said they had not approved the march and offered to help a small group wave flags at another site. Central Park is closed to the public on October 16 and 17, and orders banning gatherings cover Connaught Place and nearby areas. ^2,4

Those restrictions lie at the heart of a dispute over protest rights, public order and livelihoods. The CJP says it is protesting the arrests of leaders Ashutosh Ranka and Saurav Das, and alleged problems with voter-list revisions. Police say a gathering at the busy shopping hub could disrupt traffic, businesses and emergency access. Shopkeepers, commuters and families who rely on daily trade face the effects of closures and crowd-control measures. ^2,4,16

The Supreme Court declined to step in urgently, but said it could consider compensation if restrictions cause unlawful business losses. The case is listed for October 26, after the court’s Dussehra break. In the meantime, police continue to watch the crowds, and the dispute over where people may gather remains unresolved. ^16,20