NDMC Closes Central Park Ahead of Call
New Delhi Municipal Council ordered Central Park, Connaught Place, closed to public on October 16 and 17 citing administrative reasons. The closure follows CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke’s call for a “Lehra Do Tiranga” gathering at 5 PM on October 16.
Call Details
- Dipke: Gather with Tricolour at Central Park, CP, 5 PM. Show waving Tiranga is not a crime.
- Context: Support for Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka (5-day Tihar judicial custody after Oct 13 Jantar Mantar entry) and demand for CEC Gyanesh Kumar resignation over SIR.
- Parallel Tiranga actions urged in other cities.
Court and Police Position
- Delhi High Court refused to restrain the gathering; recorded Delhi Police assurance it would regulate as per law.
- Supreme Court declined urgent hearing on park closure; noted impact on local traders.
- Police: No permission granted. Section 163 BNSS in force in Connaught Place and adjoining areas. Stated it could facilitate a small group (~11) to carry flag and sing National Anthem at a suitable location. Heavy deployment of police and CAPF reported around CP, Sansad Marg, Janpath.
“Why does Delhi Police have a problem with waving the Tiranga?” — Abhijeet Dipke
Status as of Oct 16 Afternoon
Park remains shut. Security presence elevated. No mass assembly reported at the exact venue at time of this update. Parallel activity noted elsewhere (including Mumbai Azad Maidan).