Delhi Police on Sunday clarified that no permission had been sought or granted for the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) proposed “Chalo Sansad” march to Parliament, scheduled for Monday, as security was ramped up across the national capital ahead of the Parliament session.
In an official statement, Delhi Police said it was aware of reports regarding the planned march but made clear that no approval had been extended for any such protest, procession, or gathering.
The force noted that prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) — the provision that replaced Section 144 of the erstwhile CrPC remain in effect in the New Delhi district. These orders bar protest marches, processions, demonstrations, and assemblies of five or more individuals, barring the designated protest zone at Jantar Mantar, and only with prior permission.
“Any person violating these prohibitory orders shall be liable for prosecution under Section 223 of the BNS and other applicable provisions of law,” the Delhi Police statement said.
Security Tightened Ahead of March
The heightened restrictions coincide with the start of the Monsoon Session of Parliament on Monday. Delhi Police said comprehensive security arrangements have been rolled out to safeguard public safety, protect designated protectees, and secure key government installations.
Additional barricades, vehicle checks, police pickets, and personnel deployment have been ramped up at strategic points across the city. Security has specifically been reinforced around sensitive zones such as Jantar Mantar, Parliament Street, Central Vista, Shankar Chowk, and Connaught Place, with extra forces kept on standby.
Officials described the measures as precautionary, citing both the Parliament session and the proposed protest march as reasons for the stepped-up vigilance.
Wangchuk Terms Hospitalisation ‘Illegal Detention’
The security clampdown follows a day after activist Sonam Wangchuk was forcibly moved to Safdarjung Hospital after his health took a turn for the worse on the 21st day of his hunger strike at Jantar Mantar.
In his first communication to supporters since being removed from the protest site, Wangchuk called his hospitalisation an “illegal detention.” He also drew a comparison between his situation and the broader concept of freedom from fear.
Calling on people to join the July 20 Parliament march, Wangchuk described the CJP’s campaign as “India’s 2nd Freedom Movement.”
July 20 ‘Chalo Sansad’ March
Wangchuk further appealed to schools, colleges, and universities to observe the day of the march as a day of “experiential education” under the National Education Policy, stating that students would gain a “real lesson in political science and democracy.”
Even with Wangchuk no longer at Jantar Mantar, CJP leader Abhishek Dipke confirmed that the proposed “Chalo Sansad” march would proceed as planned and announced he would launch an indefinite hunger strike of his own.
The CJP’s “Chalo Sansad” march on July 20 falls on the same day as the opening of the Monsoon Session of Parliament.
The party said it has been mobilising supporters through a missed-call registration campaign. Party spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka said more than 1.3 lakh people have signed up so far.
The CJP a satirical movement launched by Dipke in May has been staging a sit-in at Jantar Mantar since last month, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination. The group has also called for accountability, a judicial probe into alleged examination scams, and broader reforms to the examination system.
Wangchuk’s Health Update
Safdarjung Hospital said on Sunday that Wangchuk was receiving necessary medical intervention and was under close observation by a team of experts. In a health bulletin, the hospital said his vital signs remained stable, though his blood parameters were “marginally altered.” It added that the physiological stress and systemic effects of his prolonged fast meant he required ongoing medical supervision from a multidisciplinary team.
Also Read:Delhi High Court Backs Sonam Wangchuk’s Hospital Shift, Says He Is Not in Detention
A day earlier, on Saturday, the hospital had said Wangchuk declined intravenous fluids, oral rehydration solution, and medication despite repeated counselling from the treating team and an independent AIIMS specialist. It also noted that his family had not consented to the recommended medical intervention.
Delhi Police has maintained that Wangchuk was moved to Safdarjung Hospital for “essential medical care” on expert medical advice and in accordance with directions issued by the Delhi High Court.