Bengaluru: Bengaluru City Police has issued a public advisory warning citizens against participating in an unauthorised gathering allegedly planned near Town Hall on May 24 under the banner of “Cockroach Janta Party Karnataka”.
Police officials clarified that no permission has been granted for the proposed programme and urged the public not to assemble at the location or circulate related social media messages.
The advisory comes after posts inviting people to form a “peaceful human chain” near Town Hall began circulating widely on social media platforms.
Police say no permission granted
In an official press note issued by the Office of the Commissioner of Police, Bengaluru City, authorities stated that no application seeking permission for the gathering had been submitted by any individual, organisation or political group.
Officials said the programme had also not received approval from the relevant civic authorities for use of the location.
According to the statement, social media posts under the title “COCKROACH JANATA PARTY KARNATAKA” were inviting people to gather in large numbers near Town Hall on May 24.
Police clarified that the event did not have official clearance and warned that participation in such an assembly could violate legal restrictions related to public protests.
High Court order cited in advisory
The police advisory also referred to directions issued by the Karnataka High Court regarding public demonstrations in Bengaluru.
According to the press note, protests, rallies and public gatherings are permitted only at Freedom Park and not at other public locations without authorisation.
Authorities stated that assembling near Town Hall for the proposed event would amount to a violation of the court’s directions.
The advisory urged the public not to knowingly or unknowingly share messages related to the gathering through platforms such as Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram and X.
Police also requested citizens not to gather near Town Hall in connection with the circulated social media campaign.
‘Cockroach Janta Party’ gains attention online
The “Cockroach Janta Party” first emerged online as a satirical political movement created by Abhijeet Dipke, a former AAP worker.
The group gained attention after remarks attributed to the Chief Justice of India triggered online debate.
The party was reportedly formed in response to comments in which unemployed youth were allegedly referred to as “cockroaches”.
However, the Chief Justice later clarified that the remarks had been misquoted.
Despite the clarification, the satirical political concept had already gained traction online, leading to the creation of multiple social media pages and variations of the original group.
Social media-driven political satire
The rise of the “Cockroach Janta Party” reflects a growing trend of internet-driven political satire and meme-based activism in India.
Social media platforms increasingly serve as spaces for satire, political commentary and digital mobilisation, especially among younger users.
However, authorities have also become more cautious about large gatherings organised primarily through viral social media campaigns without formal permissions.
Police officials often monitor such online mobilisation efforts closely to prevent law and order issues, traffic disruption or unauthorised public protests.
Town Hall remains sensitive protest location
Town Hall in central Bengaluru has historically been associated with protests, demonstrations and public gatherings.
However, restrictions on protests at the venue have tightened over the years following court directions aimed at managing traffic congestion and maintaining public order.
Most authorised protests in Bengaluru are now directed towards Freedom Park, which functions as the city’s designated protest zone.
Authorities continue to discourage unauthorised assemblies at busy public junctions and civic spaces within Bengaluru city limits.
Public advised to avoid gathering
The Bengaluru Police have reiterated that citizens should avoid participating in the proposed gathering and refrain from spreading related messages online.
Officials warned that appropriate legal action could be taken in case of violations of court orders or public assembly regulations.
The advisory comes amid increasing scrutiny of politically themed social media campaigns and public mobilisation efforts in Karnataka.
For now, police presence around Town Hall is expected to remain heightened ahead of May 24 to prevent any unauthorised assembly.