The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) on Tuesday warned that it could resume nationwide protests, alleging that the Centre and some state governments have not fulfilled an assurance to withdraw FIRs filed against student protesters during the NEET-UG paper leak agitation.
The warning came after the Supreme Court issued interim directions in petitions related to the protests, including an order asking authorities to release detained students below 18 years of age and those without criminal antecedents, while directing that no coercive action be taken in FIRs connected to the demonstrations.
In a statement, the CJP said it was concerned that the Supreme Court’s order allowed existing FIRs and investigations to continue. The organisation claimed this was contrary to what it described as an assurance given by the Centre during discussions on July 25 — that FIRs against peaceful protesters would be withdrawn and no punitive action would be taken.
The group said it had suspended its agitation based on that understanding and expressed concern that protesters could still face legal proceedings.
The Supreme Court’s interim order provided relief to certain categories of detainees, including minors and individuals without criminal backgrounds, and restricted coercive action in cases linked to the protests.However, the court did not order the blanket withdrawal of all FIRs. Existing investigations and legal procedures in cases where allegations have been made can continue as per the court’s directions.
The CJP questioned why the Centre’s lawyers did not bring the alleged July 25 understanding before the Supreme Court during the hearing. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke said the organisation would consider returning to protests if students continued to face police action. The group urged the Centre and state governments to place the details of the discussions before the court for consideration.
The CJP had earlier ended its agitation following talks with government representatives. The organisation said the discussions included assurances regarding FIRs against protesters, compensation for families of students who died by suicide following examination-related issues, and consideration of examination reforms.
The government has not publicly accepted all interpretations of the agreement claimed by the CJP.The CJP-led agitation began at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations, including the NEET-UG paper leak controversy. The movement gained further attention after climate activist Sonam Wangchuk joined the protest and undertook a hunger strike.
Tensions escalated on July 20 when clashes broke out during a march towards Parliament, with police using crowd-control measures, including tear gas and lathi-charge, according to reports. Protesters and authorities have presented different accounts of the events.
The CJP has now warned that it may restart its movement if it believes commitments made to protesters are not implemented, while legal proceedings and court hearings on the matter continue.
Sources: India Today