Supreme Court Declines to Ban CJP's September 5 Protest March
The Supreme Court on Monday declined to pass orders on a plea seeking to prohibit a protest march called by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) for September 5, stating that it expects all parties to act in a peaceful and lawful manner.
A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana heard the matter and issued notice to the Centre and the Delhi Police. The bench referred the petitioner to the High Powered Enquiry Committee, which was formed to examine allegations of police violence during the NEET protests.
"Let the matter be listed along with pending petitions. To be heard on September 10," the bench said, issuing notice.
The court also remarked: "They are expected to maintain law and order, and the enforcing agency has the responsibility to maintain law and order, saying what is illegal and what is permissible. We are expecting them to act within that framework. From both sides, we are expecting that they will respect, they will conduct themselves and they will follow the law of the land."
The bench also noted that it would not call anyone who was not a party to the case and advised the applicant to approach the Centre regarding his concerns.
Background of the Plea
The plea was filed by retired Delhi Police officer Rajendra Singh, represented by advocate Rizwan Ahmad. It sought directions that no public call for large-scale mobilisation, march or organised demonstration in security-sensitive constitutional zones—including India Gate, Central Vista and adjoining areas—be acted upon unless organisers first obtained the requisite permissions.
The plea also requested that any proposed mobilisation in Lutyens' Delhi be regulated, deferred or suitably modified until after the conclusion of the BRICS Summit scheduled for September 12-13. Additionally, it sought a direction that no march or procession proceed beyond authorised limits without lawful permission.
CJP's Planned March
The CJP has announced a protest march in Delhi on September 5, which coincides with Teachers' Day. The march is scheduled to proceed from India Gate to the Delhi Police Headquarters. The group has accused the Centre of failing to honour promises made on July 25 to persuade the group to withdraw its 36-day agitation against examination irregularities.
The march would be led by families of students who committed suicide following the cancellation of the NEET exam and the subsequent re-test, as well as those who were subjected to police excesses during the July agitation.
Police and Advocate Submissions
The Delhi Police earlier stated that it had not received any request for a procession from India Gate to the Delhi Police Headquarters, despite the CJP announcing plans for one.
In court, advocate Ahmad submitted that the protest organisers had not sought permission from police authorities for the September 5 march. He expressed concerns about holding a protest march when international media and dignitaries would be present for the BRICS Summit on September 12-13. He referred to an incident at the AI Summit, saying "People stripped," and argued that the march should be postponed until after the summit. He further submitted, "They have tasted blood. They won't seek permission. Police will stop. This is what they want in front of international media."
The bench, however, declined to list the matter before September 5, stating that it expected everyone to act responsibly.