Mumbai Police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against organisers and supporters of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) following a protest held at Shivaji Park on October 2, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
The case was registered at Shivaji Park police station on Saturday, October 3, after the demonstration took place despite the authorities denying permission for the gathering.
The FIR reportedly names the organisers, along with around 400 to 500 unidentified participants. The allegations include unlawful assembly, disobedience of police orders, raising slogans and disrupting traffic during the demonstration.
The protest was organised by CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke as part of a wider campaign against alleged irregularities in electoral rolls and the Election Commission’s functioning. <Cite refs={[“turn751646search0″,”turn751646search2”]}/>
FIR Registered Under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita
According to reports, Mumbai Police invoked Sections 189 and 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) in connection with the protest.
Section 189 concerns unlawful assembly, while Section 223 deals with disobedience to an order duly promulgated by a public servant.
Provisions of the Maharashtra Police Act, including Sections 37(1)(3) and 135, were also reportedly invoked.
The police action followed the organisers’ decision to proceed with the demonstration despite the denial of official permission.
The case remains subject to investigation, and the registration of an FIR does not establish the guilt of the persons named or involved. <Cite refs={[“turn751646search2″,”turn751646search5”]}/>
Protest Held Despite Denial of Permission
The Cockroach Janta Party had planned a demonstration at Shivaji Park on Gandhi Jayanti, October 2, seeking the resignation of Gyanesh Kumar.
Mumbai Police had denied permission for the gathering, citing restrictions governing the use of Shivaji Park, along with concerns over traffic congestion, noise pollution and public order.
The organisers subsequently announced a ‘Jail Bharo Andolan’, indicating that they would proceed with their protest despite the restrictions.
On Friday, hundreds of people gathered at the venue, carrying national flags and placards and raising slogans concerning electoral transparency and voting rights.
The demonstration also attracted participation from public figures and supporters of the movement. <Cite refs={[“turn751646search1″,”turn751646search3″,”turn751646search4”]}/>
CJP Demands Resignation of Chief Election Commissioner
The protest was part of the CJP’s campaign demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
The organisation has raised allegations concerning the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, claiming that eligible voters could be excluded from electoral lists.
The movement has also called for greater transparency in election administration and accountability within the Election Commission.
The Election Commission has maintained that electoral roll revision is necessary to remove duplicate and ineligible entries while ensuring that eligible citizens are included.
The dispute has become a major point of confrontation between opposition groups and the poll panel.
Abhijeet Dipke Announces October 10 Protest in Delhi
Following the Mumbai demonstration, Dipke announced another protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on October 10 if Gyanesh Kumar does not resign.
He said the proposed demonstration would be peaceful and would follow the principles of non-violence associated with Mahatma Gandhi.
The CJP has also indicated plans to expand its campaign to other cities, including Kolkata, Bengaluru, Patna, Hyderabad and Goa.
The announcement comes amid wider opposition demonstrations against the Election Commission and the SIR exercise. <Cite refs={[“turn751646search6″,”turn751646news15”]}/>
Police Action Adds to Debate Over Protest Permissions
The FIR against the Cockroach Janta Party organisers has brought renewed attention to the rules governing public demonstrations in Mumbai.
While police have cited the absence of permission and alleged violations of public-order requirements, the organisers have maintained their demand for accountability over electoral issues.
The case is likely to remain under scrutiny as the CJP prepares for its next demonstration in Delhi.
The developments have added another dimension to the ongoing debate over electoral transparency, freedom of peaceful assembly and the regulation of public protests in India.