Supreme Court Refuses to Block Cockroach Janata Party March

The Supreme Court of India refused to prohibit a protest march scheduled for September 5 by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) in New Delhi. A bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant ruled that law-and-order decisions and security arrangements fall under the jurisdiction of the central and Delhi governments. The court emphasized that both protesters and law enforcement agencies are expected to follow the law of the land and maintain peaceful conduct.

The march, planned from India Gate to the Delhi Police headquarters, is led by families of students who died by suicide following NEET examination irregularities and those alleging police brutality during July protests. The plea to stop the mobilization was filed by Rajendra Singh, a retired Delhi Police officer, who argued that protests in security-sensitive zones should be deferred until after the BRICS Summit on September 12-13.

Simultaneously, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta petitioned the court to quash First Information Reports (FIRs) filed against students involved in previous NEET protests, invoking Article 142 of the Constitution. Chief Justice Surya Kant granted permission for this filing and scheduled a hearing for September 1, noting the court has no difficulty if parties are reconciling. The court also directed petitioners to submit concerns regarding police violence to a High Powered Enquiry Committee currently investigating the use of pellet guns and tear gas during July 20 agitations.