Delhi High Court Denies Urgent Hearing on Cockroach People's Party Protest
The Delhi High Court has turned down an urgent request to hear a petition concerning crowd control measures for the upcoming protest by the Cockroach People's Party. Founded by Abhijit Dipke, the party emerged in response to controversial remarks made by the Chief Justice. With significant youth support, the protest is expected to draw a large crowd. Dipke has urged supporters to avoid the airport and instead seek permission for a peaceful demonstration at Jantar Mantar. This article delves into the details surrounding the protest and the court's decision.
Jun 5, 2026, 12:21 IST
Delhi High Court's Ruling on Protest Petition
The Delhi High Court declined to conduct an immediate hearing on a petition that sought to direct the police to implement crowd control measures at Jantar Mantar for a proposed strike by the satirical group 'Cockroach People's Party' on Saturday. This decision comes as the party's founder, Abhijit Dipke, is set to return from the United States to lead the protest, for which they have not obtained permission. The petition was presented before the vacation bench of Justices Saurabh Banerjee and Amit Sharma. The NGO's attorney requested the court to hear the petition today, but the bench refused to entertain it.
Details of the 'Cockroach People's Party' Protest
Upcoming Protest by 'Cockroach People's Party'
Abhijit Dipke, a Boston University graduate, established the 'Cockroach People's Party' website and social media accounts shortly after the Chief Justice referred to some youths as cockroaches on May 15. Within days, the Chief Justice's Instagram account amassed over a million followers, surpassing the 8.8 million followers of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Following the Chief Justice's controversial remarks comparing unemployed youths and social media activists to cockroaches and parasites, he gained significant attention overnight. Although he later clarified that his comments were directed at those entering the profession with fake degrees and stated that his words were “misquoted,” the damage was done, and the meme culture took off. The party, which began as a satirical movement in response to the Chief Justice's comments, held its inaugural press conference in Delhi on Wednesday, appointing three spokespersons: investigative journalist Saurabh Das, political researcher and filmmaker Vijeta Dahiya, and former management consultant Ashutosh Ranka.
Founder Departing for India
Founder Heads to India
The founder is expected to arrive in Delhi around 8 AM on Saturday after departing for India on Friday. The organization has garnered substantial support from the youth, raising concerns about a large turnout. Meanwhile, Dipke urged his supporters on Thursday via social media not to come to the Delhi airport. He stated, “Instead, I will go to the Parliament Street police station to obtain permission for a peaceful protest at Jantar Mantar directly.” He emphasized that they are law-abiding citizens and must act responsibly, urging everyone to ensure that no disturbances occur.