CJP protest row: Supreme Court to hear plea against police action; Centre faces pressure

NEW DELHI: Delhi is set to witness the next phase of the developments surrounding the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)-led protest. The Supreme Court, which had earlier declined to urgently hear the matter, will today hear a public interest litigation (PIL) challenging the police action against protesters. Meanwhile, the Centre, which has come under fire over the question paper leak issue, will hold a 10-hour discussion in the Lok Sabha on the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill.

The Centre is also expected to hand over a written assurance to CJP representatives at the Constitution Club today, formalising the promises made to end the Jantar Mantar protest. Parliament remained disrupted for the sixth consecutive day of the Monsoon Session, which began on July 20. The Opposition protested, demanding a statement from Union Home Minister Amit Shah on who authorised the use of pellet guns against protesters in Delhi and AK-47 rifles in Bihar. Amid the protests, Union Minister Jitendra Singh introduced the six-page amendment Bill in the Lok Sabha. Despite several attempts to resume proceedings, the Opposition continued its protest. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla later held discussions with leaders of both the ruling alliance and the Opposition in an effort to break the deadlock. The government is aiming to secure unanimous passage of the Bill.

'Can protesters be lathi-charged?'

Chief Justice of India Surya Kant observed that the Constitution guarantees the right to peaceful protest and that lathi-charge against protesters cannot be justified.

"People have the right to raise issues and protest. Police cannot use force simply because someone is staging a protest," the Chief Justice said.

A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana will hear the petitions related to the police action today. The bench will also consider a petition alleging that police personnel were attacked during the protests.

CJP warns of fresh protests

The Centre and the Cockroach Janta Party have reportedly agreed to withdraw cases registered against protesters, refrain from filing fresh cases related to the agitation, and provide Rs 1 crore in compensation to the families of students who died by suicide over NEET-related issues. However, the CJP alleged that cases were still being registered against protesters in different parts of the country despite the government's assurances. The party warned that it would resume its agitation if the cases were not withdrawn immediately.

Meanwhile, a police officer accused of firing an AK-47 at protesters in Bihar has been suspended. An internal inquiry in Delhi found that the pellet gun used against protesters was fired by a Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel.