Delhi police issue flag‑display guidelines after CJP’s ‘Lehra Do Tiranga’ march
The guidelines reiterate respect for the national flag as police detain over 150 protesters and flag‑carrying flash rallies sweep central Delhi.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Delhi police released official guidelines on handling the national flag on Oct. 16, 2026, after the Cockroach Janata Party’s (CJP) ‘Lehra Do Tiranga’ march in Connaught Place, according to New Indian Express.
What happened
On Friday, Oct. 16, CJP activists gathered at Connaught Place demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. Police detained at least 150 people around Janpath Road, Connaught Place and Mandi House, including All India Students’ Association (AISA) president Neha Bora. The police also visited the residence of CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke and detained him en route to the protest site.
Despite the arrests, supporters staged flash protests at multiple central‑Delhi locations, carrying the tricolour and chanting “Jai Hind.” The demonstrations moved through Connaught Place’s inner circle before dispersing to other spots, while a separate AISA rally took place at Mandi House.
What the reports add
New Indian Express reported that the police guidelines stress that the flag must not be flown upside down, used as clothing, printed on cushions or napkins, or employed as decorative drapery, including at private funerals. The guidelines also forbid attaching lettering to the flag, using it to cover statues or platforms, or allowing it to touch the ground or trail in water.
Another New Indian Express article detailed the scale of detentions, noting that teams representing Dipke and Bora said they had no information about the detainees’ whereabouts by day’s end. It also highlighted that flash protests involved hundreds of participants who displayed the flag while marching through central Delhi.
What was said
The police statement, cited by New Indian Express, emphasized that the tricolour must be accorded due respect and displayed in a position of honour, in line with the Flag Code of India.
How it came about
The march followed a series of CJP‑related police actions earlier in the week. On Oct. 10, Delhi police detained CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke and senior members Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka at IGI Airport, prompting Ajinkya Shinde to call for a march to Jantar Mantar (Felo coverage). Police also barred entry to Bangla Sahib Gurdwara on Oct. 10 as protesters sought shelter there (Felo coverage). The cumulative police response set the stage for the Oct. 16 guidelines and the large‑scale flash protests.
Key facts
- Delhi police issued new guidelines on national flag display after the CJP ‘Lehra Do Tiranga’ march. (newindianexpress.com)
- At least 150 people were detained around Connaught Place, Janpath Road and Mandi House. (newindianexpress.com)
- Flash protests with participants carrying the tricolour were held at multiple central‑Delhi locations. (newindianexpress.com)
- Guidelines prohibit flying the flag upside down, using it as clothing, printing on cushions, napkins or other items, and allowing it to touch the ground. (newindianexpress.com)
Timeline
- 2026-10-10 — CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke and two senior members detained at Delhi airport.
- 2026-10-10 — Delhi police bar entry to Bangla Sahib Gurdwara amid CJP protests.
- 2026-10-16 — CJP ‘Lehra Do Tiranga’ march; police issue flag guidelines and detain over 150 protesters.
