Ahead of the proposed ‘Chalo Sansad’ March in New Delhi, the Campaign for Justice and Peace (CJP) has issued a detailed advisory outlining a series of ‘Do’s and Don’ts’ for participants, urging them to remain peaceful, document all interactions with authorities, and raise only positive, non-confrontational slogans.
The guidelines come amid heightened security arrangements and restrictions imposed by the Delhi Police, which has stated that no permission has been sought or granted for the march and has invoked Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) in parts of the national capital to prohibit unlawful assembly. CJP says the advisory is aimed at helping participants exercise their democratic right to peaceful protest responsibly while ensuring their own safety and accountability.
The organisation has asked attendees to cooperate with officials, avoid provocative behaviour, respect public property, and remain within the law even if faced with challenging situations.
CJP Urges Peace & Positive Slogans
In a comprehensive advisory shared ahead of the march, CJP encouraged participants to conduct themselves with discipline and restraint throughout the event. Protesters have been asked to carry valid identity documents, remain with designated groups, and carefully follow instructions issued by organisers. One of the key recommendations is to record every interaction with law enforcement officials or public authorities through photographs or videos wherever possible.
According to the organisation, such documentation promotes transparency and can help establish an accurate account of events if disputes arise. CJP has also appealed to participants to raise only positive slogans centred on constitutional values, democracy, justice and peace, while avoiding abusive, inflammatory or provocative language. The advisory further cautions attendees against carrying sharp objects, alcohol, or any prohibited material that could create security concerns.
Protesters have also been reminded not to damage public property, obstruct emergency services or engage in confrontations with those holding differing views. Instead, the organisation has urged marchers to remain calm, respectful and cooperative at all times, even in the face of provocation, emphasising that peaceful conduct strengthens the credibility of democratic movements.
Advisory Issued
The advisory comes as security arrangements in Delhi have been significantly tightened ahead of the proposed march. Delhi Police has maintained that no permission has been sought or granted for the event and has invoked Section 163 of the BNSS in several parts of the city, restricting unlawful assembly to maintain public order. Officials have urged residents and visitors to comply with the restrictions and avoid participating in gatherings that may violate the law.
The proposed ‘Chalo Sansad’ March has drawn attention from civil society groups, activists and supporters seeking to raise concerns on various public issues through a peaceful demonstration. Against this backdrop, CJP’s advisory seeks to ensure that participants understand both their rights and responsibilities before joining the march. By encouraging people to remain within the legal framework, document developments on the ground and avoid escalating tensions, the organisation says it hopes to minimise misunderstandings while protecting the democratic spirit of peaceful assembly.
The guidance also reflects growing awareness among civil society organisations of the importance of preparedness, legal compliance and transparency during large public gatherings where differing perspectives and heightened security often coexist.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Peaceful protest has long been recognised as a cornerstone of any vibrant democracy, offering citizens a lawful platform to voice concerns, seek accountability and advocate for change. Equally important is the responsibility of both organisers and participants to ensure that demonstrations remain non-violent, respectful and mindful of public safety.
Advisories such as CJP’s, which encourage peaceful conduct, transparency and cooperation with authorities, can help reduce the risk of conflict while reinforcing democratic values. At the same time, law enforcement agencies play a crucial role in balancing public order with the protection of citizens’ constitutional freedoms, ensuring that security measures remain proportionate and respectful of fundamental rights. Mutual trust, restraint and open communication between authorities and citizens are essential to preventing unnecessary confrontation and strengthening democratic institutions.
As public demonstrations continue to shape civic discourse across India, creating space for peaceful engagement remains vital. How can citizens, civil society organisations and authorities work together to ensure that the right to protest is exercised responsibly while preserving public order and strengthening democratic dialogue?
