The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) on Sunday, September 27, claimed that Mumbai Police had denied permission for its proposed protest against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar on October 2, Gandhi Jayanti. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke warned that the organisation would launch a ‘Jail Bharo Andolan’ (mass civil disobedience through voluntary arrests) in Mumbai if it was prevented from demonstrating.
The proposed agitation is part of the outfit’s wider campaign seeking Kumar’s resignation and reforms in the Election Commission of India (ECI). Police cited restrictions on the use of Shivaji Park, missing civic permissions and concerns over traffic and noise pollution.
Police Deny Permission
The CJP had planned to hold a demonstration at Mumbai’s Shivaji Park on October 2, calling for the resignation of CEC Gyanesh Kumar and changes to the functioning of the Election Commission. However, Mumbai Police denied permission for the proposed gathering, citing legal restrictions and concerns about the impact of a large public demonstration on the surrounding area.
In a post on X on Sunday, Dipke said, “Mumbai Police has also denied permission for our protest on 2nd October. Such tactics to suppress citizens’ voices are unacceptable. If we are denied the right to protest, CJP will launch a Jail Bharo Andolan in Mumbai on Gandhi Jayanti.”
According to reports, the police communication stated that the department was not empowered to grant permission for public gatherings at Shivaji Park under a 2013 Bombay High Court order and subsequent Maharashtra Government guidelines. The police also pointed to the absence of the required permission from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) for the use of the ground.
The police further cited the area’s residential and silence-zone status, warning that the proposed demonstration could lead to noise pollution and severe traffic congestion. They also raised concerns about possible disruptions to access to nearby hospitals.
CJP Plans Mass Agitation
Following the denial of permission, Dipke announced that the organisation would proceed with its planned agitation on Gandhi Jayanti and launch a ‘Jail Bharo Andolan’ if it was prevented from holding the demonstration.
The protest is part of a broader campaign by the CJP demanding the resignation of Kumar over concerns it has raised about the Election Commission’s functioning and electoral processes. The organisation had earlier announced that it would begin a nationwide protest from Mumbai on October 2 if Kumar did not step down by September 26.
The CJP has also called for a freeze on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and the restoration of the January 2025 voter list. It has demanded criminal proceedings against Kumar and the repeal of the 2023 law governing the appointment of election commissioners, along with reforms to the poll body.
The proposed demonstration comes amid wider public debate over electoral processes and the functioning of constitutional institutions. The CJP has said that its agitation would begin in Mumbai before spreading to other cities across the country.
Background To The Protest
The CJP’s proposed October 2 demonstration follows its demands for changes in the Election Commission and its criticism of the SIR of electoral rolls. The organisation’s campaign gained momentum after reports raised questions about disagreements among election commissioners over decisions related to the revision exercise.
The Indian Express reported that Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi had objected on record at least 14 times over 10 months to decisions concerning the SIR that were allegedly taken without their knowledge. The report added to the debate over the functioning and decision-making processes of the poll body.
The CJP’s proposed agitation also comes amid separate allegations by the organisation that its co-convenor Ashutosh Ranka and other volunteers were detained by Assam Police in Guwahati ahead of a planned gathering. The group said the detentions took place before the meeting could begin. These claims were reported by media outlets, but the circumstances surrounding the alleged detentions remain subject to further clarification.
As October 2 approaches, the dispute over permission for the protest raises questions about how public demonstrations can be facilitated while addressing legal requirements, public safety and the rights of citizens to express their views.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The right to peaceful protest is an important part of a democratic society, allowing citizens to raise concerns, question institutions and demand accountability. At the same time, public gatherings must take into account legal requirements, public safety and the needs of residents, patients and commuters.
When disagreements arise over permission for a demonstration, transparent communication between authorities and organisers can help prevent tensions from escalating. Clear explanations for restrictions and constructive efforts to identify suitable alternative venues can help uphold the right to peaceful expression while addressing legitimate public concerns.
Gandhi Jayanti is a reminder of the values of non-violence, dialogue and peaceful civic engagement. As the CJP considers its next steps, how can authorities and protest organisers work together to protect democratic expression while ensuring public safety and maintaining peace?
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Mumbai Police has also denied permission for our protest on 2nd October.
— Abhijeet Dipke (@abhijeet_dipke) September 27, 2026
Such tactics to suppress citizens’ voices are unacceptable. If we are denied the right to protest, CJP will launch a Jail Bharo Andolan in Mumbai on Gandhi Jayanti.#SaveDemocracy
