The Supreme Court has declined to entertain a petition challenging its decision to quash police complaints arising from the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) demonstration at Jantar Mantar in July. The plea had urged the bench to order an impartial investigation into the First Information Reports registered following the protest. During the proceedings, CJI Surya Kant observed that those facing legal scrutiny are young students whose careers and families must be kept in mind. The Chief Justice remarked that the bench does not want these youngsters trapped in long-drawn legal procedures or forced to make repeated rounds of courtrooms.
Arguments in Court and Precedents of Relief
Appearing for the petitioner, counsel argued before the bench that a strong message needed to be sent across society that courts cannot be treated as personal property and that legal compliance is mandatory. The petition maintained that the judicial order cancelling the criminal cases was erroneous.
In response, CJI Surya Kant pointed out that the Supreme Court has previously struck down criminal cases across different situations. The Chief Justice highlighted instances where cases arising from demonstrations by Members of Parliament and Members of Legislative Assemblies, as well as protests staged during the Covid pandemic restrictions, were cancelled by the court. In those instances, relief was granted because the individuals involved were not habitual offenders. CJI Surya Kant noted that the present petition was essentially seeking a review of the court's earlier ruling, leading the bench to dismiss the matter without further hearing.
Central Government Assurances and Sonam Wangchuk Fast
The controversy dates back to a protest movement where the Central Government took an accommodating position regarding cases against citizens holding peaceful demonstrations at Jantar Mantar and those joining the march to Parliament on July 20.
Sonam Wangchuk had undertaken a hunger strike at Jantar Mantar beginning on June 28. He subsequently broke his fast at Medanta Hospital in the presence of Union Minister JP Nadda and Union Minister Jitendra Singh. During those developments, the Central Government extended an assurance to Wangchuk that peaceful student demonstrators would not face punitive action. The authorities also committed that the criminal complaints registered against the protesting youths would be withdrawn.
Permission Denied for Fresh Protest on October 10
In a related development, the Cockroach Janata Party has been refused police clearance to stage another protest at Jantar Mantar scheduled for October 10. The law enforcement authorities have clarified the operational reasons behind turning down the application.
Joint CP Nupur Prasad stated that the outfit had moved a representation before the New Delhi district authorities on October 7. In that plea, the party indicated its intention to stage a demonstration on the 10th regarding the accountability of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), though local authorities decided against permitting the assembly.
