The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) on Thursday, 16 October 2026 issued a public notice closing Central Park in Connaught Place to the general public on Friday and Saturday, citing administrative reasons — a move that comes directly ahead of a proposed demonstration by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and its founder Abhijeet Dipke at the same venue. The closure effectively pre-empts the rally even as the Delhi High Court separately recorded police assurances that all lawful measures would be taken to control the event.

Delhi High Court Records Police Assurance

A bench of Acting Chief Justice Nitin Wasudeo Sambre and Justice Sanjay Sharma took on record the assurance given by Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Chetan Sharma, appearing for the Centre and Delhi Police, that authorities would take all possible steps under the law to control and regulate the proposed gathering. The court recorded in its order: 'The respondents (authorities) have already taken action to control and regulate the activities of respondent no. 6 (Dipke) and all possible measures under the law will be taken.' The matter has been posted for further hearing on 3 November.

The Petition and Traders' Concerns

The High Court was hearing a plea filed by Anil Kumar Gupta, a street vendor at Palika Bazar in Connaught Place, who sought directions restraining the CJP from organising any agitation, demonstration, march, or gathering at Central Park or any other non-designated protest venue. Senior Advocate Sacchin Puri, appearing for Gupta, argued that the proposed demonstration would severely disrupt business in the area — particularly damaging given its overlap with a major Hindu festival and a festive weekend when commercial activity peaks.

Why the Timing Matters

Puri submitted before the court that traders in the area had already suffered substantial losses over the preceding week and would face further financial harm if disruption continued through the weekend. He urged the bench to directly restrain Dipke from proceeding with the protest. The court was also informed that Dipke had already been served notice via email. This is not the first time a proposed CJP protest in a high-footfall commercial zone has prompted legal intervention — the intersection of political demonstrations with peak commercial periods in central Delhi has repeatedly drawn petitions from affected traders.

NDMC's Administrative Closure

The NDMC's public notice, issued Thursday, did not explicitly mention the CJP protest, citing only 'administrative reasons' for the two-day closure of Central Park. However, the timing — issued the evening before the proposed demonstration — leaves little ambiguity about the context. Central Park, located at the heart of Connaught Place, is one of New Delhi's most prominent open public spaces and a frequent venue for large gatherings and political events.

What Happens Next

With the park closed and police committed to law enforcement action, the proposed CJP protest faces significant practical and legal obstacles. The High Court will revisit the matter on 3 November, where the adequacy of measures taken is likely to be assessed. Traders and residents in the Connaught Place area will be watching whether authorities maintain the restrictions through the festive weekend.