Thane: A lawyers’ association in Palghar district has offered free legal assistance to members of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) if they face legal action or “repression”.

Digambar Desai, spokesperson for the Vasai Lawyers Association, said that lawyers were prepared to represent CJP members without charge if cases were registered against them. He said the association was willing to support “common causes” and stand by people who needed assistance.

“Ultimately, democratic values should remain alive, and for that, if they need any such help on the judicial forum, some lawyers like us will definitely do the work for them free of charge,” Desai told reporters.

The statement comes ahead of a protest planned by CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke at Mumbai’s Shivaji Park, seeking the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The CJP has accused Kumar of acting against democratic principles, while the protest is also linked to the group’s concerns over the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. These are allegations and demands made by the group.

Mumbai Police have not granted permission for the gathering at Shivaji Park. Police have cited restrictions governing gatherings, including a 2013 Bombay High Court order, according to reports.

Dipke has nevertheless announced a “Jail Bharo Andolan” at Shivaji Park as part of the CJP’s protest campaign. The group has said its demonstrations will continue in other cities as well. The lawyers’ association’s offer could provide legal representation to members if proceedings arise from the planned mobilisation or any other related public demonstrations.