SC Refuses to Halt CJP’s September 5 Protest

The Supreme Court on Monday declined to restrain the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) from holding a protest march from India Gate to Delhi Police headquarters on September 5, saying there were no compelling reasons to assume that the demonstration would turn unlawful or violent.

A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana said all concerned were expected to act responsibly and ensure that the protest remained peaceful and lawful.

The court said matters concerning law and order and permission for the march would primarily be decided by the police authorities. It declined to issue an immediate notice and directed that the application be tagged with the main case.

The petitioner’s counsel had raised concerns about possible disturbances during the march, particularly with international media expected to be present in Delhi. The court, however, said that if any alarming or untoward incident occurred, an appropriate application could be filed.

The CJI also referred the broader issues to a high-powered committee, describing it as a “neutral umpire” for stakeholders to discuss policy and law-and-order concerns.

The petition was filed by retired Delhi Police officer Rajendra Singh, seeking compensation for police personnel allegedly injured during a CJP protest at Jantar Mantar on July 20 and recovery of damage caused to government property. The petition also seeks guidelines for regulating demonstrations near Parliament and other vital institutions, including possible protective or no-demonstration zones.