A planned protest by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) took a different turn in Panaji after police prevented demonstrators from entering Azad Maidan, following the administration’s refusal to grant permission for the gathering. Several people who arrived at the venue were detained, including CCP corporator Jack Sukhija and CJP Goa volunteer Amreen Shaikh.
Police personnel were deployed in large numbers, with barricades set up to restrict access to the maidan. The move prompted retired Chief Justice Ferdino Rebello to visit the site and question the legal grounds on which permission for the protest had been refused.
Unable to assemble at Azad Maidan, the demonstrators proceeded to the nearby Panjim Municipal Garden, where they continued their protest and put forward their demands.
The protesters called for the withdrawal of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the reinstatement of the electoral roll published in January 2025. They also demanded changes to the procedure for appointing Election Commissioners.
Speaking at the gathering in the municipal garden, Justice Ferdino Rebello underlined that citizens have a constitutional right to express disagreement and participate in peaceful protests. He stressed that democratic freedoms must be protected and that people should have the opportunity to raise issues of public importance.
Protesters, meanwhile, contended that the refusal of permission to assemble at Azad Maidan restricted their ability to exercise the right to peaceful assembly. They argued that citizens should be able to voice their concerns through democratic means.
Despite being unable to access the original venue, the demonstrators continued their gathering at Panjim Municipal Garden, keeping the focus on electoral reforms, the appointment of Election Commissioners and the protection of citizens’ rights.
