The Supreme Court on Wednesday refused to grant an urgent hearing on a plea challenging the alleged police action against students during the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) protest.
Chief Justice of India Surya Kant said, “We are not interested in watching the videos. We don’t have time to watch them. We don’t want to watch the videos.”
When the petitioner’s lawyer again referred to the alleged assault on students and sought to rely on video evidence, the CJI responded, “Don’t waste our time.”
On 20 July, the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) organised a march from Jantar Mantar to Parliament, during which clashes broke out between protesters and the police at several locations. Police used batons to stop the march. According to official figures, more than 100 police personnel and protesters were injured during the violence.
On July 20, the Cockroach Janata Party organized a march to Parliament, during which clashes broke out between police and protesters at several places.
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Petitioner’s lawyer: “The students have raised important issues. They are seeking the proper conduct of the NEET examination and reforms to the National Testing Agency.”
CJI Surya Kant: “Thank you very much.”
Petitioner’s lawyer: “There are videos showing the alleged police brutality. If possible, the matter may be listed for hearing on Thursday, as the students continue to be affected.”
CJI Surya Kant: “We are not interested in watching the videos. We don’t have time to watch them. We don’t want to watch the videos.”
When the lawyer again referred to the videos and the alleged assault on students, the CJI said: “Don’t waste our time.”
Delhi High Court refused to hear the case immediately
A similar petition was filed before the Delhi High Court on Tuesday, but the court refused to grant an immediate hearing. The court remarked, “Don’t drag the court into this.”
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) has called for an investigation into the alleged lathi-charge on students during the protest.
The SCBA strongly condemned the action, stating that several students suffered serious injuries during the incident. The association said the matter should be examined and an inquiry should be conducted into the alleged use of force against the protesters.
CJI Surya Kant’s remark lead to formation of CJP
Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant had reportedly said on 15 May that some youths are “wandering like cockroaches”. Following this remark, Abhijeet Dipke, who was in the United States, launched the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) on 16 May. Social media accounts were created on X and Instagram.
Within four days, the movement gained rapid traction, with the party reportedly crossing 10 lakh followers on Instagram. By 20 May, CJP’s Instagram following had risen to over 66 lakh.
However, on 21 May, the party’s X account was suspended, after which a new account was created. On 22 May, an online petition demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan was launched, which received more than 8 lakh signatures.
