‘Jantar Mantar Style Protest In Nagpur Planned’Nagpur: A Nagpur member of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), Vaidehi Bhilawe, has written to Chief Justice of India Justice (CJI) Surya Kant, urging the Supreme Court to intervene over the alleged use of force against peaceful protesters and to safeguard citizens’ fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution. The appeal comes in the wake of the recent police lathi-charge on protesters in New Delhi.In her email to the CJI, a copy of which is with TOI, Bhilawe said she was writing as a concerned citizen of India to highlight serious concerns regarding the protection of fundamental rights, which ensure the freedom of speech and expression and the right to assemble peacefully.Bhilawe expressed concern over reports and public discussions suggesting that people participating in peaceful and democratic demonstrations were, in some instances, facing restrictions, preventive measures, and the use of force.Bhilawe stated that citizens place their faith in the Constitution and the judiciary to uphold the democratic values on which the country is founded. She urged the apex court to take cognisance of the issue and, if deemed appropriate, issue suitable directions to ensure that citizens can peacefully exercise their constitutional rights while maintaining public order and the rule of law.Meanwhile, the Nagpur unit of the CJP is planning a Jantar Mantar-style sit-in protest at Samvidhan Square, according to party sources. The party has approached Sitabuldi police seeking permission for a one-day demonstration and may extend the protest if approval is granted. Police are yet to decide on the permission application.However, the CJP has not issued any official statements on the proposed protest. Party sources said internal discussions are still underway, and a course of action is being finalised. For now, Jan Badlaav Party functionary Yash Gourkhede, who had earlier pledged support to the CJP at its launch, is scheduled to hold a protest in Nagpur at 5pm on Wednesday.While the demonstration is not officially being held under the CJP banner, sources indicated that several party supporters and members are expected to participate.
