The Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) has called off its proposed protest march scheduled for September 5 after the Supreme Court provided relief to students facing criminal cases linked to the recent protests. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision to quash the FIRs registered against students who participated in protests concerning the NEET examination paper leak, describing the development as “absolute justice.”
Speaking to reporters in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar on Tuesday, Dipke thanked the Supreme Court and said the decision had delivered justice to those who had participated in the Jantar Mantar agitation as well as families who had lost their children in circumstances linked to the NEET paper leak controversy. He said the September 5 march was being withdrawn because the organisation’s demands had been met and termed the protest movement successful.
The development followed proceedings before a Bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, along with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana. During the hearing, CJP co-convenor and spokesperson Saurav Das informed the Court that the organisation had decided to withdraw its September 5 march in view of the assurances given by the government and the judicial order being passed by the Supreme Court.
The Supreme Court invoked its powers under Article 142 of the Constitution to quash FIRs connected with the protests held between July 20 and 25. The Centre and the governments of Delhi, Bihar, Maharashtra, West Bengal and Assam had moved applications seeking withdrawal of the cases. The Court also directed that similar FIRs in other States and Union Territories should not be pursued or investigated, subject to the exceptions concerning persons already facing allegations of heinous offences.
The government also assured the Court regarding compensation for families of students who died by suicide in connection with academic issues, including the NEET controversy. The Court gave judicial sanctity to the assurances and directed that an appropriate policy be framed in consultation with the States.
Dipke also expressed regret to the families who lost their children, acknowledging the hardship faced by students who had worked towards becoming doctors. He said the CJP’s next focus would be improving the quality of schools so that students do not have to study in poor conditions.
