Delhi Police denies ‘intrusive surveillance’ of ‘Cockroach’ protest; videography for ‘law and order’
The Delhi Police has denied allegations of intrusive surveillance regarding the Cockroach Janata Party protests at Jantar Mantar. Officials stated that videography at the site is a standard law and order procedure rather than a targeted monitoring effort.
Why it matters
The case touches on the balance between the right to protest and the state's authority to monitor public gatherings for security.
The Delhi Police has denied carrying out intrusive surveillance of the ongoing Cockroach Janata Party’s protests at Jantar Mantar. It told the Delhi High Court on Monday (July 20, 2026) that videography at the site was undertaken solely to maintain law and order.
Appearing for the Delhi Police, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, said protests are a regular feature at Jantar Mantar and that recording activities at the site was a standard practice.
“At Jantar Mantar, some protest or another is always going on. These are always recorded. As a matter of fact, at this protest, hundreds of people made viral videos. This is only for the purpose of law and order. There is no snooping. There is no surveillance,” Mr. Mehta submitted.
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