Supreme Court Refuses to Prohibit CJP Protest March Scheduled for September 5

The Supreme Court on Monday declined to pass orders on a plea seeking a prohibition on a protest march called by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) on September 5. A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana stated that it expects everybody to act and behave in a peaceful and lawful manner.

The bench instructed the petitioner to submit the petition to the High Powered Enquiry Committee, which was previously formed by the court to examine allegations of police violence during NEET protests. The court ordered the matter to be listed along with pending petitions for a hearing on September 10, while issuing notice in the case.

"They are expected to maintain law and order, and the enforcing agency has the responsibility to maintain law and order, saying what is illegal and what is permissible. We are expecting them to act within that framework. From both sides, we are expecting that they will respect, they will conduct themselves and they will follow the law of the land," the bench observed during the proceedings.

The CJP has organized the protest march in Delhi to accuse the Centre of failing to honor promises made on July 25. Those assurances were previously used to persuade the group to withdraw a 36-day agitation against examination irregularities. Earlier, city police stated they had not received any formal request for a procession from India Gate to the Delhi Police Headquarters, despite the CJP's public announcement.

The petition was filed by retired Delhi Police officer Rajendra Singh. It seeks a direction that no public call for large-scale mobilization, marches, or organized demonstrations in security-sensitive constitutional zones—including India Gate, Central Vista, and adjoining areas—be acted upon unless the organizers obtain requisite permissions first.

Additionally, the plea seeks directives to regulate, defer, or modify any proposed mobilization in Lutyens' Delhi until the conclusion of the BRICS Summit, which is scheduled for September 12-13. It also asks that no march or procession proceed beyond authorized limits except in accordance with lawful permissions and the regulatory framework governing the area.

The CJP march is scheduled to take place on Teachers' Day. Organizers stated the event will be led by families of students who committed suicide following the cancellation of NEET earlier this year and the subsequent re-test, as well as individuals affected by police excesses during the July agitation.

"From a business and operational standpoint, large-scale demonstrations in high-security and commercial zones can introduce significant logistical and regulatory challenges for enterprises operating in the capital. Regulatory compliance, adherence to established legal frameworks, and proactive risk management are essential for maintaining business continuity during periods of public unrest or high-profile events." — Dr. Shishir Gupta, Founder & CEO, StartupLanes