Expect everybody to act in responsible manner: SC refuses to prohibit CJP’s September 5 protest march

The Supreme Court on Monday refrained from intervening in the planned September 5 protest march by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) in Delhi, entrusting the decision to law-and-order authorities. A bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana stated there were no "compelling circumstances" to assume the march would turn violent.

They emphasized the need for all parties to adhere to the legal framework and maintain peaceful conduct during the demonstration. The court declined to address the pleas filed by Shivam Upadhyay and retired Delhi police officer Rajendra Singh, which sought restrictions on large-scale mobilization and marches in security-sensitive areas such as Lutyens' Delhi.

The court also dismissed a request to summon CJP members, noting the absence of a clearly identified group to be summoned. The march, announced on August 24, is aimed at protesting the Centre's failure to honor assurances made on July 25, leading to the cancellation of NEET exams and subsequent protests. The bench directed the petition to be served on the Centre and Delhi governments, and posted it alongside a related matter for September 10, including it with the petitions to be served on the high-powered enquiry committee examining allegations of police excesses during the July 20 protest.