The Supreme Court has granted major relief to students and protesters facing criminal cases linked to the July 20–25 protests organised by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP).
The court has ordered that FIRs registered against protesters across states and Union Territories in connection with the protests be quashed. However, the relief will not apply to individuals with serious criminal antecedents.
The decision came after the Centre assured the Supreme Court that cases registered in connection with the July 20 protest would be withdrawn and that no fresh FIRs would be filed over the same incidents.
Exception for Those With Criminal Antecedents
While allowing the withdrawal of the cases, the Supreme Court made an important exception for protesters with serious criminal backgrounds.
The Delhi Police has been permitted to continue proceedings against 2,873 individuals who were allegedly involved in the Jantar Mantar protests and have serious criminal antecedents.
The exception means that protesters who already face serious criminal cases will not automatically receive the benefit of the Supreme Court’s order.
Relief for Student Protesters
The Supreme Court’s decision effectively provides relief to protesters who faced criminal proceedings following the demonstrations.
The Centre and authorities had sought withdrawal of the cases, following discussions surrounding the protests and concerns over the criminalisation of students involved in the demonstrations.
The court’s order applies to cases registered in different states and Union Territories in connection with the specified protest events.
CJP Cancels September 5 March
Following the Supreme Court’s decision and the Centre’s assurances, the CJP has also called off its proposed protest march in Delhi on September 5.
The organisation had planned the march amid demands for withdrawal of the FIRs filed against protesters. With the Supreme Court now ordering the quashing of the cases, the proposed demonstration has been withdrawn.
The latest development marks a significant turn in the dispute over the FIRs filed following the July protests, while proceedings against those with serious criminal antecedents remain outside the relief granted by the court.
