Delhi High Court to Review Protest Investigation Request Amid Allegations of Irregularities

Court to Hear Public Interest Litigation on Protest

New Delhi: The Delhi High Court has scheduled a hearing for Friday regarding a public interest litigation (PIL) that calls for an investigation into the protests led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) over alleged examination irregularities at Jantar Mantar.

During the proceedings, the petitioner's lawyer brought the case to the attention of Chief Justice D K Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia, requesting that it be heard on Friday.

Lawyer Barun Kumar Sinha expressed concerns, stating, "This is against the so-called student agitation. They have made the entire Delhi hostage. Roads have been blocked. Citizens of Delhi are suffering."

Chief Justice Upadhyaya responded, "Alright. Tomorrow."

The petitioner, Satish Kumar Aggarwal, a former vice president of the Akhil Bharat Hindu Mahasabha, argues in his PIL that the involvement of political leaders and activists, along with foreign-funded organizations, raises significant questions about the protest's true nature and objectives.

The PIL emphasizes the need for a "comprehensive investigation" to determine if any external influences were involved in actions detrimental to public order, national security, and India's sovereignty.

The petition claims that various political party leaders participated in the protest, transforming it from a student demonstration into a political movement. It also alleges that the protest obstructed public movement, including ambulances, caused damage to property, attacked journalists, attempted to breach security near Parliament, and resulted in injuries to police and public officials.

In light of these allegations, the petitioner seeks directives for filing an FIR and conducting a thorough investigation into the protest-related incidents, potentially involving the National Investigation Agency if deemed necessary.

The CJP has been protesting since June 20, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged examination irregularities.

On July 20, thousands participated in the CJP's "Chalo Sansad" march, calling for the minister's resignation.

Recently, the court instructed the Centre and Delhi Police to respond to claims of excessive force used against protesters during the July 20 march and ordered the preservation of all relevant records, including CCTV footage.