Centre directs states to prevent unauthorised protests: Reports

The Home Ministry has sent a directive to Directors General of Police across states instructing them to prevent unauthorised protests, according to reports circulating Tuesday. The communication comes as Delhi Police denied permission for a proposed demonstration by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) scheduled for October 10 at Jantar Mantar, citing procedural violations. Delhi Police stated the application for the protest did not meet regulatory timelines, resulting in its rejection under existing guidelines. The timing of the centre's communication to state police chiefs has sparked questions about the relationship between the directive and individual protest rejections across the country. State governments and police departments are expected to review existing protocols for managing public demonstrations in light of the centre's advisory. The development underscores ongoing tensions between authorities and civil society organisations over protest permissions and public assembly rights in India.