The Delhi government is headed for an ugly showdown with the city police on Monday, saying it is determined to go ahead with its proposed dharna outside Union home ministry despite prohibitory orders being imposed in the area on Sunday to prevent the protest.

The Aam Aadmi Party government is demanding suspension of SHOs concerned in three cases — the Danish tourist's gang-rape and the run-ins AAP ministers Somnath Bharti and Rekha Birla had with the police.

Police seem in no mood to allow AAP leaders and activists anywhere near North Block, the proposed venue of the dharna. The department has imposed section 144 in and around Parliament House, North and South Block, central vista lawns and Vijay Chowk, outlawing assembly of more than five people from Sunday to Wednesday. DCP (New Delhi district) S B S Tyagi said the CM was free to protest at Jantar Mantar.

AAP has refused to consider a change in venue. 'The protest will take place outside the home ministry office in North Block,' an AAP leader said. CM Arvind Kejriwal, however, asked party volunteers not to turn up at the venue, in view of the enhanced sensitivity of the area ahead of Republic Day celebrations.

'I, along with all ministers and MLAs, will sit on dharna outside home ministry office for the sake of women's security. In view of Republic Day preps, I urge supporters and public not to come for dharna,' Kejriwal tweeted. Vol.