Case Filed Against CJP Supporters Over Unauthorised Shivaji Park Gathering

According to police, around 400 to 500 unidentified supporters and protesters, along with several identified CJP members, gathered near Gate No. 6 of the Shivaji Park grounds in Dadar West, close to the Meenatai Thackeray Memorial. The gathering took place between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. within the jurisdiction of the Shivaji Park police station.

Police said the gathering spilled onto a public road and created a law-and-order situation. Loudspeakers were also allegedly installed without obtaining the necessary permission.

A case has been registered under Sections 189(2) and 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, along with Sections 37(1), 37(3) and 135 of the Maharashtra Police Act.

The action follows the CJP's October 2 protest at Shivaji Park demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Mumbai Police had denied permission for the gathering, citing concerns including traffic disruption and other public-order issues. Despite the denial, the protest went ahead, with a large number of people attending.

The demonstration was organised as part of the CJP's 'Jail Bharo' campaign. The organisation has been demanding Kumar's resignation amid a political controversy surrounding reported differences within the Election Commission. The Election Commission has rejected suggestions of a breakdown within the poll panel and said that its decisions, including those concerning the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, were taken unanimously.

Several public figures, including actors Shabana Azmi and Naseeruddin Shah and musician Vishal Dadlani, attended the Mumbai protest. Their participation drew additional attention to the CJP's campaign and its stated concerns over voting rights and the functioning of democratic institutions.

CJP founder Abhijit Dipke used the gathering to criticise Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Dipke also defended the protest as an exercise of the constitutional right to peaceful assembly.

The CJP has since announced plans for another demonstration at Delhi's Jantar Mantar on October 10 if Kumar does not resign.