Archive · 20 Jul 2026
CJP Drone Footage Raises Legal Concerns
The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) shared drone footage from a protest at Jantar Mantar in Delhi.
Jantar Mantar is in a red zone, which means flying a drone there without permission from the Central Government is illegal.
The footage showed a large crowd gathered for a protest called 'Sansad Chalo,' but the Delhi Police had not given permission for the protest.
The drone flight raised questions about its legality, as red zones are strictly controlled for security reasons.
The government says that even small drones need permission to fly in red zones, and violating these rules can result in fines or other penalties.
CJP and the person who shared the footage should explain who authorized the drone flight, as it appears to have been done without the required permission.
CJP shared drone footage of a protest at Jantar Mantar, a red zone requiring Central Government permission for drone flights.
Delhi Police did not grant permission for the protest, raising questions about the legality of the drone flight.
The footage was shared with national and international media, amplifying the protest's visibility.
Under Drone Rules, 2021, operating a drone in a red zone without permission is illegal and a national security concern.
CJP and the footage operator need to disclose who authorized the drone flight and under what permission it was conducted.
- Who
- Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and Delhi Police
- What
- Unauthorized drone flight over a protest at Jantar Mantar
- When
- Around 10 am and 1 pm
- Where
- Jantar Mantar, Delhi
- Why
- To capture and share footage of the protest, but it violated red zone regulations
CJP and Protesters
Government and Authorities
Legality of Drone Flight
CJP and Protesters
CJP claims the drone was used to show the scale of the protest and did not seek permission as it was for public awareness.
Government and Authorities
Government states that any drone flight in a red zone requires prior Central Government permission, making the flight illegal.
Purpose of the Drone
CJP and Protesters
CJP argues the drone was used for journalism and public awareness, which should exempt it from strict regulations.
Government and Authorities
Authorities maintain that the purpose does not alter the restriction, and all drone flights in red zones need prior permission regardless of intent.
- Location
- Jantar Mantar, Delhi
- Date
- Around 10 am and 1 pm
- Zone Classification
- Red Zone
- Permission Required
- Central Government
- Drone Rules
- Drone Rules, 2021
- Penalty
- Up to Rs 1 lakh fine or suspension of certificates
- Legal Framework
- Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam, 2024