Shivaji Park Resident Complains Over CJP Protest in Mumbai
Bharatmorning.com – A Shivaji Park resident has filed a complaint with Mumbai Police after a protest by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) was held in the area. Advocate Siddhi Deolekar said the organisers had been denied approval for the gathering, stating that they were not granted permission to hold the protest at the location.
Deolekar, who has lived in Shivaji Park for about a decade, said she does not oppose the right to protest. Her concern, she said, is that demonstrations should be held at designated venues rather than on residential roads where they may affect local people, traffic and security.
“I have lodged a complaint against the CJP founders for conducting an illegal protest today. They were not granted permission, and this is the letter issued by the Shivaji Park Police Station to Ajinkya Shinde.”
Resident Cites Traffic, Safety and Court Directions
According to Deolekar, the protest went ahead after police declined permission while referring to directions of the Bombay high court. She said public demonstrations must balance freedom of expression with the needs of residents and commuters in a busy Mumbai neighbourhood.
“I am not against protests. Everyone has the right to protest, but there are designated places for protests. So why come onto the road and protest like this?”
She said road blockages and gatherings outside homes can disrupt everyday movement and create anxiety among residents. Deolekar suggested that groups seeking to demonstrate use established protest sites such as Azad Maidan in Mumbai or Jantar Mantar in Delhi.
The complainant said several residents approached Mumbai Police for help and welcomed the response from officers. She said residents wanted reassurance that the situation would remain under control and hoped appropriate action would follow.
CJP Describes Protest as Part of Wider Campaign
CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke had described the Mumbai action as the first phase of a nationwide campaign. The group has raised concerns about electoral rolls and called for greater accountability from the Election Commission.
Mumbai Police had rejected permission for the planned Shivaji Park gathering days before it took place. Concerns included possible noise pollution, traffic pressure and disruption to movement in the area. Following that decision, Dipke announced a Jail Bharo Andolan at the same venue.
The dispute reflects the tension often seen around demonstrations in crowded urban areas. Protesters seek visible spaces for their demands, while police and residents point to public safety, traffic management and compliance with restrictions. In this case, the complaint centres on the allegation that they were not granted permission before the road protest was conducted.
Delhi Demonstrations Add to Election Commission Debate
The Mumbai protest unfolded alongside demonstrations at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, where student activists and Aam Aadmi Party leaders also demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. More than 500 protesters were reportedly detained in the capital, including AAP leaders Atishi and Sanjay Singh, while authorities also made several attempts to detain Neha Bora, president of the All India Students’ Association.
The broader political dispute followed allegations about internal objections within the Election Commission. An Indian Express report said Sandhu and Joshi had raised objections over a ten-month period to several poll panel decisions, including matters related to electoral rolls, the Special Intensive Revision exercise, Form 6 amendments, centralised database access and decisions involving voter additions, deletions and restoration.
FAQ: Shivaji Park Protest Complaint
Why was a complaint filed over the Shivaji Park protest? The resident alleged that the organisers proceeded with a road protest after permission had been refused by Mumbai Police.
What were the police concerns? The reported concerns included noise pollution, traffic congestion and disruption to movement around Shivaji Park.
Where can protests be held in Mumbai? Residents and organisers may look to designated public demonstration spaces, including Azad Maidan, while following applicable police and legal requirements.