Several students and activists preparing for a massive rally from Byculla to Azad Maidan against the citizenship law were in for a rude shock on Thursday when the Mumbai police denied permission for the Friday rally, forcing them to hold a protest gathering. They were, however, undeterred by the change at the last moment, saying nothing can stop them. Police Commissioner Sanjay Barve had on December 25 made comments supporting the CAA, and against protesters who came to the police seeking persmission.

The Joint Action Committee for Social Justice, which has organised the Inquilab Morcha, said the denial of approval was an attempt by the administration to sabotage the event. The organisers had planned to gather at Rani Baug in Byculla and take out the Inquilab Morcha to CSMT, but now will assemble at Azad Maidan for another massive gathering, like the one at August Kranti Maidan.