Citing 'strategy, emotion', CJP explains delay in seeking police nod for June 6 protest

POlitical satire getup roach Janta company (CJP) 's proposed dissent at Delhi's Jantar Mantar on June 6 is veneer a procedural hurdle even before it begins, with the organisation yet to apply for police permission for the demonstration.The protest, announced by CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke, seeks the resignation of Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET paper leak controversy. However, under existing rules, applications seeking permission for public protests are generally required to be submitted at least seven days in advance, excluding the day of the event.Despite the event being publicly announced days earlier, CJP says it will seek permission only on June 6, the day the protest is scheduled to take place.Explaining why the party had not applied for permission in advance, the newly appointed CJP spokesperson Vijeta Dahiya said the decision was part of the "organisation's strategy.""People’s emotion is driving the protest, and currently they are attached with Abhijeet (Dipke), that’s why we have taken a call that Abhijeet will seek permission from the police in person on June 6," Vijeta told HT.He added that the party remained "optimistic that the authorities will grant the CJP the required clearance to hold the peaceful demonstration."Permission after landing in DelhiDipke, whose political satire outfit,CJP, commands more than 22 million followers on Instagram, has announced that he will return from the United States on Saturday to personally lead the campaign.In a video message to supporters, he said, "Meet me at the airport."According to the party's statement, Dipke is scheduled to land at Delhi airport at 8 am on Saturday and will be received by activist Sonam Wangchuk and other supporters. The delegation will then proceed to Parliament Street Police Station to formally seek permission for the Jantar Mantar protest.An earlier statement issued by the CJP said the group “will hold a peaceful, democratic protest at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi on Saturday, 6 June 2026, demanding the immediate resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan for his failure to prevent the NEET paper leak and to ensure accountability thereafter.”Why police permission mattersThe right to peaceful assembly is protected under Article 19 of the Constitution, which states that "All citizens shall have the right to assemble peaceably and without arms."However, organisers are generally required to obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) or permission from the police station under whose jurisdiction a gathering is planned.Authorities evaluating such requests are required to balance the constitutional right to protest with concerns about public order, traffic management, and the interests of local residents.If permission is denied or withdrawn, authorities must provide specific reasons, including details of any perceived threat or risk associated with the gathering.For protests in Delhi, applications are generally required to be submitted at least seven days before the proposed event, excluding the day on which the protest is scheduled.