CJP warns Centre of fresh protests if cases against demonstrators are not withdrawn
NEW DELHI, July 27: The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) on Monday warned the Central government that it would resume its nationwide agitation from Tuesday if criminal cases registered against protesters are not withdrawn, alleging that commitments made during recent talks have not been honoured.
The Abhijeet Dipke-led movement, which began as a satirical campaign and later evolved into a large-scale protest, had suspended its 37-day demonstration at Jantar Mantar after the resignation of former Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, one of the group’s key demands.
In a statement posted on social media platform X, CJP spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka alleged that authorities had violated the understanding reached during negotiations by continuing police action against protesters in several states.
According to the CJP, students have been arrested in Bihar and West Bengal, while volunteers and supporters in Delhi and other states are reportedly facing surveillance, questioning and harassment.
The organisation has demanded the immediate withdrawal of all FIRs registered against protesters, the release of detained students and an assurance that no fresh criminal cases will be filed by Delhi Police, central investigative agencies or police forces in BJP-allied states.
The group also urged the government to provide a written copy of the agreement relating to legal action, stating that such a document had been promised during discussions with Union Ministers.
The warning comes two days after the third round of talks between CJP representatives and government interlocutors at the Constitution Club in New Delhi. Following the meeting, the CJP claimed that the Centre had agreed to consider compensation for the families of NEET aspirants who died by suicide and had assured that cases filed against protesters across the country would be withdrawn.
The organisation had submitted a five-point charter of demands during the discussions and said both sides would hold another round of talks after four weeks.
Several FIRs were registered after the July 20 “Chalo Sansad” march in Delhi, during which protesters attempted to move towards Parliament from the Jantar Mantar protest site. The demonstration turned violent after clashes broke out between protesters and police. Security personnel used tear gas and batons to disperse the crowd, leading to numerous detentions.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court on Monday observed that police excesses or the use of force cannot be justified merely because a protest is underway, reiterating that the right to peaceful protest is constitutionally protected.
The issue also echoed in Parliament, where opposition parties repeatedly disrupted proceedings, demanding an explanation from the government over the police action during last week’s protests.
Despite the disruptions, the government introduced a Bill in the Lok Sabha proposing stricter punishment for examination paper leaks.
