The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has expressed approval for the Delhi government’s recent notification instructing that no further legal action be taken on FIRs related to its 36-day protest. However, the organisation has stressed that the cases should be formally withdrawn. The party warned that any inconsistency in adhering to the assurances provided in the Jantar Mantar agreement dated July 25 may compel students to resume protests.

As per an order issued by the Delhi government on Thursday, the Delhi Police has been directed not to initiate negative legal actions against the participants in the CJP-led protest. Nonetheless, those with criminal records will still face relevant legal actions. The home department further stated that the review process for any prior arrests would be expedited, allowing for potentially swift releases.

In connection with the unrest during the CJP’s ‘Chalo Sansad’ march on July 20, the Delhi Police registered 13 FIRs and identified over 2,800 individuals reportedly with criminal backgrounds. This aspect of the notification has raised various concerns among CJP officials.

CJP’s Response to the Notification

Saurav Das, the chief spokesperson for the CJP, articulated that the phrasing of the government’s notification does not fully encapsulate the commitments made by the authorities. Speaking to PTI Videos, Das remarked that although the notification states that the FIRs will no longer be pursued, the preferred terminology would be their outright withdrawal.

Das pointed out that the government’s assertion regarding Supreme Court mandates is a misinterpretation. He noted that there is no indication within the Supreme Court’s orders that prohibits the withdrawal of the FIRs, emphasising that such powers remain with the government.

He urged the Centre to honour the promises made to protesters during the July 25 discussions, asserting that using the Supreme Court’s order as leverage against demonstrators is inappropriate. Das conveyed that failure to uphold these commitments would lead to discontent among younger generations, urging them to return to the streets.

Concerns Regarding Legal Actions and Use of Force

Regarding the ongoing criminal cases stemming from alleged inflammatory remarks by protesters, Das criticised the use of criminal law as unwarranted. He stated that individuals can pursue civil or criminal defamation if language used is derogatory but warned against the misuse of criminal law to target protesters.

He also appealed for caution among the youth regarding their language but asserted that deploying criminal machinery against protesters is unacceptable. Das extended a call to the police to act with restraint, urging them not to misuse their powers for political motivations.

Furthermore, Das reiterated CJP’s condemnation of the reported use of pellet guns against demonstrators. He argued that such actions are neither ethical nor constitutionally justifiable. He underscored that protesters should be viewed as citizens and not as adversaries, stating that non-lethal means should be employed in dealing with demonstrators.

In conclusion, the CJP’s reactions to the government’s notification were mixed. While the decision to cease pursuing FIRs was welcomed, the organisation continues to advocate for formal withdrawal, criticise conditions tied to Supreme Court directives, and insist on the full implementation of the commitments made on July 25.

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