‘If they are roaming free’: Supreme Court on threats to minor CJP protester

The Supreme Court expressed concern on Thursday over allegations of harassment and intimidation towards a minor girl who participated in protests by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) at Delhi's Jantar Mantar in July. The family of the girl has been requested to be given necessary protection. A counsel raised the issue during a hearing of petitions related to the CJP protests over the alleged NEET question paper leak.

A person has admitted on video, bragging about committing the act, according to the counsel. Swatantra Bharadwaj was arrested after a video of him surfaced. Instead of prosecuting those who accompanied him, an FIR was filed against the minor. The girl's house was reportedly pelted with stones, and video evidence has been presented to support this claim.

The counsel sought urgent intervention from the court, stating that if the girl faces any mischief, they will not be able to reverse the consequences. He emphasized that anti-social elements involved in violence against a child and attempting to intimidate her could be a serious matter. The Chief Justice of India, Surya Kant, stated that "cause is justified" and there can be no second opinion on the matter.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta pledged to examine the entire matter. The CJI reiterated that "a child is a child" and suggested that some measures to protect the child could be taken. The bench expressed its willingness to consider the complaints, address the issues, and, if necessary, provide further clarification of its directions.