Mumbai Police Deny CJP Protest at Shivaji Park on Gandhi

Mumbai Police have refused permission for a Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar at Shivaji Park on October 2, 2026. The denial, issued on September 27, cites legal restrictions and public order concerns, escalating a confrontation over alleged electoral roll irregularities.

Activist Ajinkya Shinde submitted the application for the protest on September 26. The police rejection was delivered the following day. The planned demonstration was timed to coincide with Gandhi Jayanti, the national holiday on October 2.

Legal and administrative grounds for denial

Police cited a web of legal barriers preventing gatherings at Shivaji Park. They referenced a specific High Court judgment from January 4, 2013, in PIL 116/2009. A Maharashtra government order dated January 20, 2016, was also invoked.

Authorities noted the park's official status as a silence zone surrounded by residential neighborhoods. They expressed concern over potential noise pollution from the gathering. The application also lacked a mandatory permission letter from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).

Public order risks formed a second pillar of the denial. Police warned the protest could cause severe traffic congestion in the area. This disruption could block emergency vehicle access to nearby hospitals. The presence of several schools in the vicinity meant traffic issues could adversely affect students and residents.

The notification advised applicant Ajinkya Shinde to seek alternate venues in Mumbai City. Police stated a new application for a different location would be considered.

CJP’s protest demands and escalation threat

The CJP, led by Abhijeet Dipke, had announced nationwide protests against the Election Commission of India. The action targets alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The party had called for protests on October 2 unless Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar stepped down by September 26.

Facing the permission denial, the group has threatened to escalate. Abhijeet Dipke said, "CJP will launch a Jail Bharo Andolan in Mumbai on Gandhi Jayanti if their 'right to protest' is denied."

Election Commission’s position on SIR and internal differences

The Election Commission has defended its actions. On a recent Saturday, it reasserted that key decisions, including the SIR of voter rolls, were taken unanimously. The commission stated that differing views are a normal part of institutional deliberations. It added that its orders have full legal sanction and follow statutory procedures.

This defence follows media reports alleging internal differences. One report claimed Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi had raised objections to decisions related to the SIR. The commission's statement implicitly addresses these reports while maintaining a united front.

Police have advised the organizers to seek an alternate venue. They confirmed a new application for a different location would be considered.