The Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) has warned the government that it will resume nationwide protests if students arrested during recent demonstrations are not released by Tuesday and earlier assurances are not implemented in writing.
Speaking in New Delhi, CJP spokesperson Saurav Das said the government had earlier assured that no action would be taken against protesters, but alleged that action is now being taken against several students and organisers. He said the development has increased dissatisfaction among students and social organisations.
Das said peaceful protest is a fundamental democratic right and that if the administration does not honour its commitments, the CJP will be compelled to restart sit-ins and protest demonstrations.
During a hearing on a petition concerning the alleged baton charge on protesters, the Supreme Court observed that peaceful protest is a constitutional right. The court also stated that the existence of a protest cannot be used to justify alleged police excesses or baton charges.
Saurav Das claimed that senior advocate and Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal has come forward to provide legal assistance to the protesters. According to Das, an initial financial contribution of ₹1 lakh has been provided to support legal proceedings involving arrested students and other protesters.
Das further said Kapil Sibal assured that legal assistance would be made available wherever cases are registered against protesters. He also appealed to others to extend financial support to the legal assistance campaign.
CJP leaders said that during a meeting with the government and Delhi Police on 25 July, they were assured that copies of all FIRs registered up to that point would be provided to the organisation. The organisation alleged that it has not yet received any official documents.
CJP spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka said details of all registered cases should be made public to ensure transparency and to provide affected students and their families with clear information about the legal process.
The CJP also announced the launch of an online platform named "Sakshi" to collect evidence relating to alleged police action during the protests. The organisation appealed to the public to upload videos, photographs and other digital evidence connected with the demonstrations.
According to the CJP, the collected material will be used to pursue legal action against police personnel accused of assaulting or mistreating protesters. The organisation said the platform has been created to present evidence during judicial proceedings and assist affected individuals.
According to sources, the government has stated that no action will be taken against people who participated in peaceful protests. It has also indicated that if any such individuals have been named in cases, those cases will be reviewed and withdrawal of FIRs may be considered where necessary.
The government has, however, maintained that legal action will continue in cases involving allegations of violence, damage to public property or disruption of law and order during protests.
The CJP has set Tuesday as the deadline for the release of arrested students, a written agreement and clear decisions on pending cases. The organisation said it will resume nationwide protests if these demands are not met by then.
Legal experts said the Supreme Court's observations could become an important reference in future hearings involving similar matters and may influence judicial review of administrative action.
