Heavy security across New Delhi as CJP vows Parliament march ahead of Monsoon session

Ahead of the Monsoon session of Parliament and the Cockroach Janta Party's (CJP) proposed 'Chalo Sansad' march on Monday (July 20), security has been tightened across New Delhi, with the Delhi Police enforcing prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).

The CJP has called for the march to protest alleged irregularities in the NEET examination and to demand the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

Police advisory

In a public advisory posted on X on Sunday (July 19), Deputy Commissioner of Police (New Delhi) Sachin Sharma said the police had neither received nor granted permission for the proposed march.

"The Delhi Police categorically clarifies that no permission has been sought or granted for any such protest march/procession," the advisory said.

Also read: CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke takes over Wangchuk’s fast at Jantar Mantar, faces ink attack

The police also noted that prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the BNSS (formerly Section 144 of the CrPC) remain in force across the New Delhi district. As a result, marches, processions, demonstrations and gatherings of five or more people are prohibited, except at the designated protest venue at Jantar Mantar with prior permission.

Security stepped up

The DCP warned that any person who violates these prohibitory orders could face prosecution under Section 223 of theBNS and other applicable laws.

"Delhi Police appeals to all citizens to respect the law, refrain from participating in any unauthorised gathering or march, and cooperate in maintaining public peace, safety and security," his post read.

To ensure safety, the Delhi Police has deployed additional personnel, strengthened barricades, and intensified vehicle checks at key entry points, sources said on Sunday.

Also read: CJP announces Parliament march after 23 days of protest; Wangchuk still on fast

Police sources mentioned that the CJP has not obtained permission for the proposed march. "We are determined not to allow any unauthorised march towards the high-security zone," they said.

Preventive measures

Preventive deployment will remain in place throughout the Parliament session, police added.

Several entry points have been converted into high-security zones with multi-layered barricades, enhanced surveillance, anti-sabotage checks and round-the-clock patrolling in New Delhi, Central Delhi and parts of North Delhi, they said.

A senior police source said elaborate preventive arrangements have been made to ensure law and order during the Parliament session.

"Every vehicle entering the New Delhi district is being thoroughly checked. Additional pickets have been set up at strategic locations, and reserve forces have been kept on standby. CCTV surveillance has also been intensified across sensitive areas," the source said.

"Security has been significantly stepped up in and around Jantar Mantar, with a three-tier security arrangement put in place to maintain law and order. Two layers of Delhi Police personnel and one layer of paramilitary forces have been deployed in the area. The security grid will remain in place round the clock to ensure that the situation remains peaceful," the source said.

Vigil amid protest call

Police are maintaining constant surveillance in and around the protest site, while additional personnel have been stationed at strategic locations. Adequate arrangements have been made to respond to any law-and-order situation, the source added.

Also read: CJP enters South with Hyderabad and Bengaluru protests

Security has been strengthened around Jantar Mantar, Parliament Street, Central Vista, Connaught Place, Shankar Chowk and other key installations, while rapid response teams have been positioned to respond to any contingency.

The heightened vigil comes amid fresh developments at the protest site, where CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke continued his indefinite hunger strike after activist Sonam Wangchuk was whisked away on Saturday to the Safdarjung Hospital following deterioration in his health.

Wangchuk issued a message from the hospital urging supporters to participate in the proposed July 20 march.

(With agency inputs)