MUMBAI POLICE DENY PERMISSION FOR OCTOBER 2 PROTEST AT SHIVAJI PARK

September 28, 2026

Mumbai Police have denied permission for the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) to hold a protest at Shivaji Park on October 2 against the Election Commission and Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The decision was cited as being based on existing court orders, state government guidelines and concerns over the use of the ground.

According to the police communication, the department is not empowered to permit public gatherings at Shivaji Park under the applicable Bombay High Court orders and subsequent Maharashtra government guidelines. Authorities also noted that the organisers had not submitted the required permission from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation for use of the ground.

Police further cited Shivaji Park’s designated silence-zone status, surrounding residential areas and the possibility of noise pollution and significant traffic congestion. Officials also expressed concern that a large gathering could obstruct the movement of emergency vehicles serving hospitals in the vicinity. The organisers were advised to identify an alternative venue and submit a fresh application.

CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke said the organisation would proceed with a “Jail Bharo Andolan” in Mumbai on Gandhi Jayanti if it was prevented from holding the protest. The planned mobilisation relates to the party’s demands concerning the Election Commission and its objections to aspects of the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.

The Election Commission has maintained that differences in views and observations can form part of institutional deliberations and has defended the legal validity of its orders and procedures.