Central Park shut for two days ahead of CJP’s ‘Lehra do Tiranga’ march; police say small gathering may be allowed elsewhere

Detained protesters raise slogans during a 'Tiranga March' by AISF and AIYF from PVR Plaza towards Central Park at Connaught Place, in New Delhi, Thursday, October 15, 2026. | Photo Credit: PTI The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has ordered the closure of Central Park in Connaught Place on October 16 and 17 ahead of the ‘Lehra do Tiranga’ march called by Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke for Friday (October 15, 2026), with the Delhi Police citing prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) and appealing to people not to join the march. The police, however, said a limited number of people could be facilitated to carry the national flag and sing the national anthem at a suitable location.In a notice issued on Thursday (October 15, 2026), the NDMC said Central Park, the proposed venue for the march scheduled for 5 p.m. on Friday (October 16, 2026), would remain closed to the public for “administrative reasons”.Anti-CEC protest LIVE | Delhi’s Connaught Place Central Park closed on Oct. 16-17, NDMC says ahead of CJP’s ‘tiranga’ protestMeanwhile, multi-layered security arrangements were in place across Connaught Place on Thursday (October 15, 2026), with Delhi Police personnel, the Rapid Action Force (RAF) and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) alongside layers of barricades amid continuing protests in Central Delhi demanding the rollback of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) and the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Fresh CCTV cameras were also being installed near the Central Park.The march was announced following the arrest of CJP leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka, who reached Jantar Mantar carrying the national flag early on Tuesday. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has also extended its support to the proposed march.Addressing the media on Thursday (October 15, 2026) evening, DCP Neha Yadav said prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the BNSS were in force in Connaught Place and adjoining areas to “maintain peace and tranquillity and protect human life and public and private property”.The police said the NDMC had informed them about the closure of Central Park and requested adequate security arrangements to prevent unauthorised access to the premises.The officer also said a limited number of people could be facilitated to carry the national flag and sing the national anthem at a suitable location. “It may, however, be duly noted that display and carrying of National Flag and singing of National Anthem are to be done in prescribed manner while according due respect, dignity and decorum,” the official said.She cited representations from trader and market associations in Connaught Place and adjoining areas, who had sought protection for their businesses and establishments from unlawful assemblies, stating that disruptions were affecting commercial activity, particularly during the festive season.Referring to a related writ petition before the Delhi High Court, the police said the court had observed that given the petitioners’ concerns over the disruption of business activity in Connaught Place, Delhi Police have assured that apprehension of the petitioner shall be taken care of by taking suitable steps.The police warned that violations of the prohibitory orders would invite legal action and appealed to protesters and members of the public not to join any gathering in contravention of the restrictions. Published - October 15, 2026 08:29 pm IST