Goa Police Justify Detaining Seven CJP Protesters Ahead of High Court Hearing

Goa Police defended the detention of seven Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) members before the Goa Bench of the Bombay High Court on Tuesday. The detainees – Afreen Shaikh, Jack Sukhija, Bupesh Bind, Aditya Parulekar, Listan Noronha, Shamino Fernandes and Milind Rane – had been held during a protest at Azad Maidan in Panaji. On Sunday a two‑judge bench led by Justice Valmiki Menezes and Justice Amit Jamsandekar ordered their release on the condition they not protest that night, after advocate Malisa Simoes challenged the arrest. The court also asked the state to file an affidavit.

What Happened

The police affidavit filed by Inspector Vijaykumar Chodankar cited three earlier unauthorised CJP protests. One on July 25 over the NEET exams featured Mohammed Zanskar Danish holding placards naming Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam and a bag saying “Palestine will be free.” Police took Danish to the station and warned nearby demonstrators to show permission. The affidavit also noted a recent gathering of mostly out‑of‑state CJP members at the entrance of Azad Maidan, where they shouted slogans against the Union Government, the State Government and Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. An October 9, 2026 order from the North Goa District Magistrate barred protests inside the ground. When protesters entered, one person fell and was injured. Police detained the seven at 4:30 p.m. under Section 172(2) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita 2023, claiming they lacked permission.

Reaction

Police rejected claims of force, saying no one was arrested and no injuries were caused to the detainees. They said any force used was only to stop protesters from breaking the law and denied dragging anyone into a vehicle. The bench recorded the affidavits and adjourned the case to October 19.

Context

The Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita requires prior permission for public gatherings, and the district magistrate’s order specifically bans protests inside Azad Maidan. Police often rely on these provisions to prevent unauthorised demonstrations.