CJP urges Centre, BJP states to withdraw FIRs after SC clarifies order on student protesters

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) on Monday welcomed the Supreme Court's clarification on the withdrawal of FIRs against student protesters, saying it expected the Centre and BJP/NDA-ruled states to immediately implement the assurances made to agitating students under the July 25 agreement.

The apex court clarified that the expression "criminal antecedents" in its earlier order referred only to individuals accused of grave and heinous offences, and said states were free to close or withdraw FIRs against the remaining student protesters in accordance with law.

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The clarification came after the Centre informed the court that it would not pursue cases against students who participated in protests over the alleged NEET paper leak, including the July 20 Parliament march in Delhi, provided they did not have criminal antecedents. The matter is scheduled to be heard again on August 18.

Reacting to the order, CJP chief spokesperson Saurav Das said the court had removed any ambiguity surrounding the government's commitment not to prosecute student protesters, except those accused of serious offences.

"Now that the Supreme Court has removed confusions, we expect the Government of India and all BJP/NDA-ruled states to immediately honour the assurances given on July 25 to the youth of this country," Das said in a post on X.

Addressing a press conference later in the day, Das said the court had made it clear that states could withdraw FIRs against student protesters and that the term "criminal antecedents" applied only to those accused of heinous crimes.

Also Read: Delhi govt drops legal action against most CJP protestors; those with criminal antecedents still face action

"Today there has been another big victory of the youth. The Supreme Court clarified that if the state has to withdraw all the FIRs against students and protesters, then it can do so. It also made it clear that only those accused of grave crimes such as murder and rape can face action in future," he said.

Das said the CJP had remained in constant touch with senior representatives of the Union government and would closely monitor whether the assurances made to students were implemented.

"From Day 1, the Cockroach Janta Party has stood by every student and every protester, providing legal assistance, medical support, and every other form of help within our means. The youth of this country honoured their word. It is now time for the government to honour its own immediately," he said.

CJP spokesperson Ratna Singh said the Supreme Court had also indicated that it could invoke Article 142 of the Constitution to quash FIRs, if necessary.

She added that the party was in touch with the family of protester Ruchika, who had alleged harassment, and reiterated that the CJP would provide legal assistance to women protesters who were allegedly harassed.