Prohibitory orders ahead of AAP protest

Delhi Police Sunday imposed Section 144 of the CrPC in New Delhi district prohibiting unlawful assembly, a day before a protest by the AAP outside the home ministry demanding action against some police personnel.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) said it will protest Monday outside the office of union Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde demanding action against the police officials who refused to cooperate with Law Minister Somnath Bharti during a raid in south Delhi following complaints from residents that a prostitution and drug ring was operating there.

"Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) has been imposed in New Delhi district. According to this law, assembly of more than five people in one place is prohibited," Delhi Police spokesperson Rajan Bhagat told IANS.

He, however, said the prohibitory order was a normal procedure followed every year before Republic Day, and it was not imposed in light of the AAP protest.

AAP leader Sanjay Singh told media persons that party workers will protest even though police imposed prohibitory orders.

"We are doing service for the people. We will not stop. Let police do whatever they want," Singh said.