Central Park in Connaught Place has been closed by the NDMC for two days amid plans by the Cockroach Janta Party to hold a protest march, even as the Delhi High Court declined to restrain the event and police highlighted designated demonstration venues.

Central Park in Connaught Place has been closed by the NDMC for two days amid plans by the Cockroach Janta Party to hold a protest march, even as the Delhi High Court declined to restrain the event and police highlighted designated demonstration venues.

Central Park in Connaught Place has been closed by the NDMC for two days amid plans by the Cockroach Janta Party to hold a protest march, even as the Delhi High Court declined to restrain the event and police highlighted designated demonstration venues.

Central Park in Delhi's Connaught Place will remain closed to the public on Friday, even as the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) is scheduled to hold its 'Lehra do Tiranga' protest march at the venue.

The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has announced that the park will remain closed on October 16 and 17, citing administrative reasons. The decision comes amid the CJP's plans to mobilise political parties, civil society organisations and citizens for the protest on Friday.

The closure notice was issued on Thursday, on the same day the Delhi High Court refused to restrain the CJP and its founder, Abhijeet Dipke, from holding the protest at Central Park.

"It is hereby informed that the Central Park, Connaught Place, shall remain closed for general public on 16th October 2026 & 17th October 2026, due to administrative reasons," the NDMC said in its notice on Thursday.

The civic body had earlier denied permission to the CJP to organise the protest at Central Park.

Delhi Police's appeal to people

Meanwhile, Delhi Police warned of legal action against those participating in unauthorised gatherings at Connaught Place on Friday.

DCP (PRO) Neha Yadav said prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) were already in force in Connaught Place and surrounding areas to maintain law and order and ensure the safety of people and property.

According to Yadav, the CJP has appealed to the public through social media and a press conference to gather at Central Park at 5 pm on Friday, carrying the national flag. The Aam Aadmi Party has also urged its workers, supporters and the public to participate in the protest in large numbers.

The police said the NDMC had formally informed it that Central Park would remain closed due to administrative reasons. The civic body has also requested adequate security arrangements to prevent unauthorised entry into the park.

Yadav said several trade and market associations in and around Connaught Place had approached the police seeking protection for their shops and establishments against disruptive activities and unlawful gatherings. The associations expressed concern that such incidents were affecting business during the festive season.

Delhi Police appealed to protesters and the public not to participate in gatherings that violate the prohibitory orders.

"Appropriate legal action will be taken against those who violate these orders," Yadav warned.

She also urged people to avoid activities that could disturb public order or disrupt businesses in the area.

"However, the Delhi Police may consider making arrangements to permit a select group of individuals to gather at a suitable location for the purpose of carrying the national flag and singing the national anthem."

Dipke has called upon political parties, civil society organisations and citizens to participate in the 'Lehra do Tiranga' march at Connaught Place. "I request all political parties and civil society groups to rise above ideology and come together. If the right to vote is not saved, democracy will not be saved," Dipke had said.

Even as the CJP prepared for Friday's march, Delhi Police maintained that Connaught Place is not a designated location for demonstrations.

A senior police officer said protesters could organise demonstrations at Ramlila Maidan, Burari Ground or CBD Ground after obtaining the necessary permission.

"Jantar Mantar has been denotified as a designated protest site. Protesters can hold demonstrations at Ramlila Maidan, Burari Ground or CBD Ground after obtaining the requisite permission," the officer said, according to news agency PTI.

The Delhi High Court on Thursday refused to restrain the CJP and Dipke from holding the protest at Connaught Place's Central Park. During the hearing, Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma informed the court that steps had already been taken to regulate the CJP's activities. He assured the court that concerns raised by the petitioner regarding possible disruption of business activities in Connaught Place would be addressed.

The court took the assurance on record.

"The petitioner apprehends that the conduct of respondent no. 6 (CJP) is likely to disrupt business activity in Connaught Place," the court noted.

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