New Delhi, Aug 31: The Supreme Court on Monday declined to restrain the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) from holding its proposed September 5 protest march in the national Capital, saying there was no compelling reason at this stage to presume that the demonstration would create a law-and-order problem. The court instead directed the petitioner to approach the Centre with his concerns.
A Bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana issued notice on an application challenging the proposed march but refused to take it up before September 5. The matter will now be heard in detail on September 10 along with other pending cases concerning student protests.
The application was filed by retired Delhi Police officer Rajendra Singh, who sought directions to prevent large-scale demonstrations or protest marches in sensitive parts of Delhi without the required permission.
Advocate Rizwan Ahmed, appearing for Singh, expressed concern over the CJP’s proposed route from India Gate to the New Delhi Police Headquarters, particularly with the BRICS Summit approaching in the Capital. He told the court that the march had been announced on social media and, according to his information, organisers had not obtained permission from the authorities.
The counsel argued that an unauthorised demonstration could raise law-and-order concerns and sought an urgent hearing before the proposed march. He also said the organisers could not be made parties to the proceedings because the CJP did not have a registered office or letterhead.
The Bench, however, declined to anticipate that the demonstration would turn unlawful or disruptive. It said the court had no reason at present to doubt that those participating would conduct themselves responsibly, peacefully and within the law.
The court also emphasised that maintaining law and order remained the responsibility of the police authorities and said the Union and Delhi authorities would have to ensure compliance with the legal framework. The petitioner was asked to take his grievances to the Central government.
The proposed march follows the CJP’s allegations that the Centre failed to fulfil commitments made to young people on July 25. The party has said families of deceased NEET victims and victims of alleged police brutality would lead the demonstration, with students and young citizens from across the country expected to join.
The CJP has also referred to Supreme Court proceedings on August 18, claiming the court repeatedly sought details of FIRs registered across the country for consideration of their collective quashing. The party alleged that the government had not provided a clear commitment on the issue and said it was still awaiting a written assurance.
The organisation described the proposed action as a response to what it called “vishwasghaat (betrayal)” involving the Gen-Z generation and families who had lost their children. It appealed to students, youth organisations and young citizens to assemble at India Gate and participate peacefully.
The Supreme Court will consider the application on September 10 along with other pending matters linked to the student protests.
