SC refuses to intervene in CJP's September 5 protest march

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday refused urgent intervention in a call for a protest march by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) on September 5 in Delhi. However, a three-member bench, headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant, issued notice to the Centre and the Delhi Police on an application concerning the protest march.

CJI Kant, speaking for the Bench, verbally told the counsel for the petitioner that "if anything untoward or alarming is happening then you move an application". However, the CJI clarified that this applies "provided that it (plea) falls within the judicial domain".

CJI Kant verbally remarked that as of now "we have no reason to doubt that everybody will act and behave in a very responsible, peaceful and lawful manner. So right now, for us, there are no compelling circumstances to presume that anything wrong will happen".


The bench, however, refused to list the application before September 5, despite the applicant's lawyer fervently requesting a posting on September 3. The bench asked the petitioner to approach the Central government instead with his grievances/apprehensions on potential law and order problems. The matter will come up for hearing on September 10, along with other matters relating to student protests.

CJP has called for a peaceful march from India Gate to the Delhi Police Headquarters on September 5 against the Central government's alleged failure to fulfil the assurances made by it on July 25, particularly concerning the withdrawal of cases against protestors. "We are expecting that both sides (administration and protesters) will respect and honour the law of the land," CJI Kant added.

He remarked that the police have a responsibility to maintain law and order and can determine on their own what is illegal and what is permissible.

CJI Kant said the plea can be placed before the high-powered committee constituted by the apex court recently to look into issues arising out of the CJP protests.

The petitioner's lawyer said the march was being planned around the 18th BRICS Summit which will be attended by international dignitaries.