The Mumbai Police has denied permission to the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) for its proposed protest against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar in Mumbai on October 2, citing restrictions on gatherings at Shivaji Park and concerns over traffic and noise pollution.
Why did Mumbai Police deny permission?
The police also cited the location’s status as a silence zone and residential area, saying the proposed gathering could lead to noise pollution. The police further pointed to the presence of several schools in the surrounding area, saying traffic disruption caused by the programme could adversely affect students and other people travelling through the vicinity. The Mumbai Police said that it is not empowered to grant permission for gatherings at Shivaji Park under the judgment of the High Court in PIL 116/2009 dated 04/01/2013 and a subsequent order of the Government of Maharashtra dated 20/01/16.
“It has been explained to applicant Ajinkya Shinde and he has also been advised to look for alternate venues in Mumbai City for the protest and ask for permission, which will be considered in an appropriate manner,” the police notification said. Mumbai Police said the proposed protest could result in heavy traffic congestion in the area.
