Delhi Police Invoke Sections 126 and 170 BNSS Ahead of ‘Lehra Do Tiranga’ March at Connaught Place
Abhijit Dipke Preventive Arrest Ahead of Protest
Delhi Police took preventive action against Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijit Dipke ahead of a planned demonstration in New Delhi. The Abhijit Dipke Preventive Arrest case involves Sections 126 and 170 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS). Authorities plan to produce Dipke before the Special Executive Magistrate (SEM) Court around 12:00 PM on October 17.
Meanwhile, police released All India Students’ Association (AISA) leader Neha Bora earlier today. Officials completed the required procedures under Section 65 of the Delhi Police Act before her release.
Police detained both leaders on Friday during security operations ahead of the ‘Lehra Do Tiranga’ march.
The CJP had planned the demonstration towards Central Park in Connaught Place. Organisers sought the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. They raised allegations of irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
Delhi Police Invoke Sections 126 and 170 BNSS
Delhi Police initiated preventive proceedings against Dipke under Sections 126 and 170 BNSS.
Section 126 BNSS: This provision allows Executive Magistrates to require individuals to show cause regarding security for maintaining peace. It applies when authorities receive information about a possible breach of peace or disturbance of public tranquillity.
Section 170 BNSS: This section empowers police officers to arrest individuals without a warrant to prevent cognizable offences. Officers may exercise this power when they cannot otherwise prevent the suspected offence.
Section 65 Delhi Police Act: This provision requires individuals to follow reasonable police directions issued under the Act. Police cited this provision while completing procedures involving Neha Bora.
Authorities Deny Permission for Connaught Place March
Authorities stated that the organisers lacked permission for the planned demonstration.
Neither the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) nor Delhi Police had authorised the march or gathering at Connaught Place.
Officials also cited prohibitory orders under Section 163 BNSS across the New Delhi district. This provision corresponds to the former Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC).
Police conducted preventive operations to stop the unauthorised gathering.
Police Detain Dipke, Bora and Over 150 Protesters
Police detained Dipke at his residence in Jhandewalan. Officers subsequently took him to Jafarpur Kalan Police Station.
Meanwhile, police detained Neha Bora at Mandi House.
Authorities also temporarily detained more than 150 protesters across Central Delhi during the attempted demonstration.
The detentions formed part of the security measures surrounding the planned march.
Abhijit Dipke Preventive Arrest: SEM Court Proceedings
Following his overnight detention, Dipke is scheduled to appear before the Special Executive Magistrate around noon on October 17.
The magistrate will examine the preventive proceedings and determine the next legal steps. These may involve conditions for furnishing a bond to maintain peace or further custody, subject to applicable law.
Police have proceeded under Sections 126 and 170 BNSS.
Meanwhile, Bora has secured her release after completing the formal procedures under the Delhi Police Act.
Background of the ‘Lehra Do Tiranga’ Demonstration
The CJP organised the ‘Lehra Do Tiranga’ march to raise concerns about the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.
Protest organisers alleged irregularities in the revision process. They also demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
However, authorities maintained that the planned gathering lacked official permission.
The preventive proceedings against Dipke and the release of Bora mark separate developments following Friday’s police operations.
