Archive · 19 Aug 2026
CJP Warns Centre Over FIRs, Seeks Supreme Court Panel Role
A group called the Cockroach Janta Party says the government promised to cancel police cases against student protesters.
The group says the government is taking too long to give the Supreme Court a list of those cases.
The court wants the list so it can consider which cases may be cancelled.
The group also says promises about compensation and further meetings were not kept.
The Supreme Court plans to create a team to investigate what happened during the protest.
The team will look at claims of police mistreatment and claims that protesters hurt police officers.
The CJP wants its own members included so the investigation feels fair to protesters.
It warned that more protests could happen if the government does not act.
The Cockroach Janta Party accused the Centre of delaying action on assurances to withdraw FIRs against student protesters.
The Supreme Court asked the government to provide a state-wise list of FIRs that could be quashed under Article 142.
CJP leaders said commitments on compensation and follow-up meetings had also not been honoured.
The court announced a proposed committee of retired judges, a former DGP and a former CBI director to examine police excesses and violence against police.
The CJP demanded representation on the committee and warned that its National Working Committee could decide on nationwide action if commitments remain unmet.
- Who
- The Cockroach Janta Party, including spokesperson Saurav Das and legal affairs head Ratna Singh; the Central government; and a Supreme Court bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant.
- What
- A Supreme Court hearing on FIRs and allegations of police excesses, violence against police, sexual assault and harassment linked to a student protest.
- When
- The hearing took place on August 18, 2026; the protest occurred on July 20, 2026, and the agitation was called off on July 25, 2026.
- Where
- New Delhi, including Jantar Mantar, the Supreme Court and the July 20 Parliament march.
- Why
- The CJP says the Centre has not followed through on assurances concerning FIR withdrawal, compensation and further meetings.
CJP and Protesters' Position
Government and BJP Position
Quashing FIRs
CJP and Protesters' Position
The CJP says the government agreed to seek the quashing of FIRs and is resisting or delaying submission of the list requested by the Supreme Court.
Government and BJP Position
The CJP said the government had identified around 2,800 people as “hardened criminals” who should be dealt with separately from peaceful protesters.
Inquiry committee membership
CJP and Protesters' Position
The CJP wants its representatives included and says the committee must contain independent members to ensure credibility and fairness.
Government and BJP Position
The Supreme Court’s proposed structure relies on retired judges, a former DGP and a former CBI director rather than party representatives.
Conduct during the protest
CJP and Protesters' Position
The CJP alleges excessive force, sexual assault and online harassment against protesters and has questioned the constitutional safeguards surrounding facial-recognition surveillance.
Government and BJP Position
The Supreme Court’s inquiry will also examine allegations of violence against police personnel during the July 20 Parliament march.
Political affiliations
CJP and Protesters' Position
The CJP rejects what it calls a political blame game and says labels such as “Urban Naxals” and “Dimaagi Naxals” are being used to discredit young people.
Government and BJP Position
The BJP has accused the CJP of acting as a proxy for the Aam Aadmi Party.
- Protest date
- July 20, 2026
- Agitation called off
- July 25, 2026
- Supreme Court hearing
- August 18, 2026
- Proposed committee
- Retired Supreme Court and High Court judges, a former Director General of Police and a former Central Bureau of Investigation director
- FIR issue
- The court asked the government for a state-wise list of FIRs that could be quashed
- Other allegations under review
- Police excesses, violence against police, sexual assault, online harassment and surveillance-related concerns
- Government-identified group
- The CJP said around 2,800 people had been identified as “hardened criminals”
