DCP North annuls order banning protests outside CM’s house

A day after Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) B K Jha issued an order under Section 144 of the CrPC, restricting demonstrations outside Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s residence on Flag Staff Road in North Delhi’s Civil Lines area, DCP (North) wrote a letter to the SDM asking him to withdraw the order as the power to impose Section 144 of the CrPC lies only with the Commissioner of Police. 

The order issued on Wednesday prohibits holding of public meetings, Assembly of five or more persons or processions, demonstrations, dharnas at Flag Staff Road, Civil Lines and the neighbouring areas including IP College, Tiraha at Shyamanath Marg and other areas near the residence of the Chief Minister. 

On Thursday, Madhur Verma, Deputy Commissioner of Police (North) wrote a letter to SDM stating: “In relation to Delhi, the powers of Executive Magistrate and the District Magistrate are to be exercised by the Commissioner of Police. You are requested to withdraw the prohibitory orders as it is not violative of the Notification of MHA, but also it amounts to unnecessary interference in the working of Delhi Police.”

It is worth mentioning that every day; there are two to three protests and demonstrations taking place outside the Chief Minister’s residence for the past one year over various political and administrative issues. 

The order issued by the SDM also states that in August, there are many events and festivals like Independence Day, Raksha Bandhan, Parsi New Year, Janmashtami and people in general are used to visiting the CM and officers’ residence in the festive season.