Delhi Police on Friday publicly defended the security restrictions imposed across the national capital ahead of a protest scheduled for Saturday, asserting that requiring prior permission for demonstrations is not anti-democratic and that the measures are essential to protect public safety, prevent overcrowding, and keep the city operational.

What Delhi Police Said

In a formal statement, the force acknowledged citizens' right to protest but drew attention to the competing responsibility of protecting residents, workers, businesses, police personnel, and the offices of constitutional bodies concentrated in New Delhi. 'We want to put the security precautions and restrictions in place in Delhi and around Jantar Mantar in proper perspective,' the statement read.

'Seeking permission to protest is not anti-democratic,' the police said, arguing that advance notice allows authorities to plan traffic diversions, arrange emergency access, and ensure the safe movement of crowds.

July Protests Cited as Precedent

The police invoked the experience of demonstrations held at Jantar Mantar in July, alleging that what was originally permitted as a one-day protest extended into a month-long occupation. According to the statement, more than 200 police personnel were injured during those protests, and over 2,000 people with criminal antecedents reportedly participated, contributing to the violence. 'As the situation went out of control, there were clashes, and innocent students were injured too,' the statement said.

The force said the same group was now seeking to gather at the same location again, making crowd management and security considerations unavoidable before any permission could be considered.

Allegations Against Protesters

Delhi Police also flagged alleged incidents from protests over the past week, claiming that women constables had been molested and assaulted by protesters at Jantar Mantar. 'That is deeply troubling, and it has to be taken seriously,' the statement said. The force added that the Cockroach Janta Party was reportedly proceeding with the proposed gathering without obtaining the requisite permission.

Citing the Supreme Court's position on unauthorised demonstrations, police warned that protests held without permission are unlawful and that participants could face prosecution. Organisers, the statement added, have a responsibility to inform attendees of these legal implications.

Capacity and Civic Concerns

Highlighting physical constraints, Delhi Police noted that Jantar Mantar can accommodate only around 1,000 people at a time. The force stressed that authorities must weigh a gathering's scale against its potential to disrupt daily life and economic activity. 'Delhi, being the capital of the fastest-growing economy of the country, cannot be brought to a halt every time there are protests,' the statement said.

What Happens Next

The restrictions ahead of Saturday's demonstration are described as temporary and aimed at regulating movement, preventing overcrowding, and protecting all parties in the area. 'People should be able to raise their concerns peacefully. Our responsibility is to create the conditions in which they can do that safely, while keeping the city functioning,' Delhi Police said. How authorities manage the situation on the ground — and whether the protest proceeds — will be closely watched as a test of the balance between civil liberties and public order in the capital.