The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has warned of renewed nationwide protests, alleging that the Centre is exploiting the Supreme Court's recent observations in anti-paper leak cases to sidestep its earlier public assurances to withdraw First Information Reports (FIRs) against peaceful demonstrators. The warning was issued on Tuesday, 29 July, from New Delhi.

Supreme Court's Directions

The Supreme Court, while hearing a batch of petitions related to alleged excessive force used against students protesting examination paper leaks at Delhi's Jantar Mantar and other sites, directed that no coercive action be taken against peaceful protesters. A Bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant also ordered the release of detained protesters with no prior criminal record, while permitting investigations into existing FIRs to proceed.

CJP's Allegation Against the Centre

CJP spokesperson Saurav Das claimed that the Centre had previously and publicly assured protesting students that no fresh FIRs would be filed against them and that existing cases would be withdrawn. He alleged that the government is now invoking the court's sub judice position to avoid honouring those commitments.

'However, after the Supreme Court's order in the PILs related to our protests, the government is now saying the matter is sub judice, citing the court's observation that investigation into existing FIRs can continue,' Das said.

Das added that the organisation had expected a written assurance from the Centre by Tuesday but claimed no such communication had been received.

CJP's Reading of the Court Order

Das argued that the Supreme Court's order did not bar governments from independently withdrawing FIRs, and alleged the ruling was being interpreted in a manner that could adversely affect students. 'Nowhere in the Supreme Court's order is it written that FIRs would not be withdrawn. The power solely lies with the government. The Supreme Court should also understand how the government is misusing its orders and politicising and weaponising them against the youth. The government should fulfil the guarantees it gave us,' he said.

The CJP also conveyed concerns to the government about the situation in Uttar Pradesh, Goa, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh, where it alleged protesters were facing harassment and legal proceedings.

Background: 37-Day Agitation and Its Conclusion

The CJP launched its sustained agitation against examination paper leaks at Jantar Mantar on 20 June. A key demand was the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan from the post of Union Education Minister. The movement culminated in a 'Parliament March' on 20 July, during which protesters were lathicharged and tear-gassed by security personnel. Over 118 police personnel, many of whom were reportedly attacked by protesters, were also injured in the clashes.

Following two rounds of negotiations, Dharmendra Pradhan resigned as Union Education Minister on Saturday. The CJP subsequently called off its 37-day protest after the government assured it that no action would be taken against peaceful protesters and that families of students who died by suicide following the NEET paper leak controversy would receive compensation.

Threat of Renewed Protests

Das warned that if the assurances were not honoured, the organisation would 'once again take to the streets in support of students facing legal action.' Whether the government issues the written guarantee the CJP is demanding will likely determine whether the agitation reignites in the days ahead.