New Delhi | The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has threatened to resume nationwide protests after the Supreme Court of India issued an interim order allowing authorities to continue investigating First Information Reports (FIRs) registered during the recent student-led protests over alleged paper leaks. The party alleged that the order contradicts assurances previously given by the Government of India that the cases against peaceful protesters would be withdrawn.
The controversy emerged after a Bench comprising Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, and Justice V. Mohana passed an interim order stating that investigations into the already registered FIRs may continue. However, the Court also directed that no coercive action should be taken against student protesters who do not have criminal backgrounds and ordered the immediate release of minors detained during the protests.
Supreme Court’s Interim Directions
In its interim order, the Supreme Court made several key observations:
- State governments and Delhi authorities may continue investigating the existing FIRs related to the protests.
- No coercive measures should be taken against peaceful student protesters during the investigation.
- Individuals with criminal antecedents will not receive the same protection.
- All minors under 18 years of age, who were detained or arrested in connection with the protests and have no criminal history, must be released immediately.
The Court, however, refused to stay the investigations into the FIRs already filed in connection with the protests.
CJP Accuses Government of Breaking Its Promise
Reacting strongly to the order, CJP spokesperson Saurav Das accused the government of attempting to use the Supreme Court’s observations to backtrack on commitments made during negotiations with protest leaders.
According to Das, the Government of India had assured CJP representatives on July 25, 2026, that:
- All FIRs against peaceful protesters would be withdrawn.
- No student or protester would be directly or indirectly targeted for participating in the demonstrations.
He argued that the Supreme Court’s interim direction allowing investigations to continue is inconsistent with those assurances.
Allegation of ‘Politicising the Supreme Court’
Das alleged that the government was attempting to “politicise the Supreme Court” by using the interim order as a reason for not honoring its earlier commitments.
He maintained that the Court’s order does not compel governments to continue prosecuting protesters, but merely permits investigations to proceed. According to him, the executive still retains the authority to:
- Withdraw FIRs, or
- Decide not to pursue cases against peaceful demonstrators.
He further claimed that the government was misinterpreting the order to justify not withdrawing the cases.
Government’s Position
Following the Supreme Court’s order, government representatives reportedly informed CJP leaders that because the matter is now sub judice, they were unable to provide the promised written assurance regarding the withdrawal of FIRs.
According to the CJP, officials cited the ongoing judicial proceedings as the reason for withholding any formal commitment.
Concerns Over Continued Investigations
The CJP fears that allowing investigations to continue could expose peaceful student protesters to prolonged legal proceedings and possible harassment.
Das warned that authorities in BJP-ruled states could use the FIRs to target individuals who had participated in what the party describes as peaceful demonstrations.
He questioned why the government did not oppose the interim order despite allegedly being aware of the assurances it had given to protest leaders during negotiations.
Demand Before the Supreme Court
The CJP has demanded that the Government of India place the full details of the July 25 assurances before the Supreme Court during the ongoing proceedings so that the Bench can consider those commitments while passing further orders.
The party argues that presenting those assurances would enable the Court to make a more informed decision regarding the pending cases.
Warning of Fresh Nationwide Agitation
Issuing a strong warning, Das said that if the government fails to honor its commitments, the Cockroach Janta Party will have no option but to resume nationwide protests.
He stated that students entered into the agreement with the government in good faith, and any attempt to abandon those assurances would amount to a betrayal of the country’s youth.
According to the CJP, if the promised withdrawal of FIRs is not implemented, students and young protesters across India may once again return to the streets to continue their movement.
Key Points at a Glance
- Supreme Court allowed investigations into existing FIRs to continue.
- No coercive action can be taken against peaceful student protesters without criminal backgrounds.
- Minors detained during the protests must be released immediately if they have no criminal antecedents.
- CJP alleges the government is reneging on its July 25 assurances to withdraw FIRs.
- The party accuses the government of using the Court’s interim order to justify its changed position.
- CJP has threatened fresh nationwide protests if the government does not withdraw the FIRs and honor its commitments.
- The party has urged the government to inform the Supreme Court about the assurances allegedly given during negotiations.
The matter remains under consideration before the Supreme Court, and further hearings are expected to determine the future course of the investigations and the legal protections available to the protesters.
