SC Declines To Ban CJP March, Says All Sides Must Follow Law

The Supreme Court on Monday declined to prohibit the Cockroach Janata Party’s (CJP) planned protest march in Delhi on September 5, while making it clear that both the organisers and law enforcement agencies must act within the law and ensure peace.

A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana asked the petitioner, retired Delhi Police officer Rajendra Singh, to approach the High Powered Enquiry Committee constituted by the court to examine allegations of police violence during the NEET protests.

The court issued notice in the matter and directed that it be listed along with pending petitions for hearing on September 10. While refusing to issue an immediate prohibition, the bench stressed that maintaining law and order remains the responsibility of the authorities, while protesters and organisers are also expected to respect legal restrictions.

The CJP has announced the September 5 march in Delhi, accusing the Centre of failing to fulfil assurances given on July 25 that helped bring its 36-day agitation over examination irregularities to an end. The proposed demonstration is scheduled for Teachers’ Day and is expected to be led by families of students who died by suicide after the cancellation and subsequent re-test of the NEET examination, along with people who allege they faced police excesses during the July protests.

The Delhi Police has said it has not received any request for the proposed procession from India Gate to the Delhi Police Headquarters, despite the CJP announcing the route.

The plea before the Supreme Court sought restrictions on large-scale mobilisations and organised demonstrations in security-sensitive areas such as India Gate, Central Vista and adjoining parts of Lutyens’ Delhi unless the required permissions had been obtained.

It also sought regulation or postponement of any such mobilisation until after the BRICS Summit on September 12-13, citing security concerns. The petitioner further sought directions to ensure that any procession remains within officially authorised limits.

The court’s decision leaves the proposed march subject to existing permissions, security rules and lawful directions from the authorities.