The Supreme Court on Monday declined to issue urgent directions on a plea raising concerns over the Cockroach Janta Party’s proposed protest march in Delhi on September 5.
A Bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V. Mohana said it could not presume, at this stage, that the planned protest would lead to a law-and-order problem.
The Court said it had no reason to doubt that those involved would act responsibly, peacefully and within the law. It advised the applicant, retired Delhi Police officer Rajender Singh, to approach the Central government with his concerns.
The CJP has called for a march from India Gate to Delhi Police Headquarters, alleging that the Union government failed to fulfil assurances made on July 25, including on the withdrawal of cases against protesters. The group had earlier withdrawn its Jantar Mantar agitation over examination paper leaks following government assurances.
Singh moved the Supreme Court seeking directions against protests in Lutyens’ Delhi without official permission. His counsel, Advocate Rizwan, argued that the march could create law-and-order concerns, particularly as it was planned around the 18th BRICS Summit and the presence of international delegates in the Capital.
The Bench said the application could be placed before the Solicitor General and the High-Powered Committee constituted by the Court to address issues arising from CJP protests. It added that the matter would be heard in detail on September 10 along with other pending petitions relating to the protests.
The Court reiterated that maintaining law and order was the responsibility of the Union and Delhi governments, and that the police could independently determine what was permissible under the law.
The Cockroach Janta Party has been associated with protests over alleged examination paper leaks and demands for action against those responsible. Its earlier agitation at Jantar Mantar was withdrawn after the government reportedly gave assurances, including regarding the handling of cases filed against protesters.
The proposed September 5 march is intended to press for implementation of those assurances. However, the timing has drawn objections because it coincides with heightened security arrangements in Delhi ahead of the BRICS Summit.
The Supreme Court has previously constituted a High-Powered Committee to examine issues arising out of CJP-related protests. In the present case, the Court has chosen not to intervene urgently, holding that concerns about the proposed march should first be addressed by the relevant governments and law-enforcement authorities.
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