The Delhi High Court on Friday refused to entertain a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking an investigation by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) or another specialized agency into the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)-led march to Parliament on July 20. The march was organised as part of the ongoing protests against alleged NEET-UG examination irregularities and the demand for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
A court, which consists of Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia, said the alleged incidents of vandalism during the protest had already come to the notice of the authorities. The court said the competent authorities could take appropriate action in accordance with the law.
The bench also confirmed that the decision of whether to refer a matter to the NIA lies with the Centre and not with the court. Following the court's observations, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta suggested that the petitioner's counsel withdraw the PIL. The petitioner then sought permission to withdraw the plea, after which the court ordered, “The PIL is dismissed as withdrawn.”
Petitioner Raised Questions Over Protest
The PIL was filed by Satish Kumar Aggarwal, who was then a senior vice president of the Akhil Bharat Hindu Mahasabha. The petition questioned the involvement of activists and political leaders in the protest and claimed foreign-sponsored organisations.
The petitioner also claimed that this was the case and so that the “true nature, purpose and objectives” of the protest could be thoroughly investigated. It also asked whether external elements were engaged in activities that could compromise public order, national security, or the sovereignty and integrity of India.
The petition had asked for the registration of an FIR and a thorough investigation of the events related to the protest. It also asked for an investigation by an appropriate specialised agency, like the NIA, if the material disclosed warranted such action under applicable law.
CJP Protests Continue Over NEET-UG Irregularities
The CJP has been protesting since June 20 and has called for the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan for alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG examination. The protests continued at Jantar Mantar and the opposition leaders have rallied around these protests.
On July 20, thousands of protesters gathered for a ‘Chalo Sansad’ march despite heavy security in the capital. Clashes between the crowd and security officers when it tried to move towards Parliament were reported. Police deployed lathi charges and tear gas to control the situation.
Several protesters and police personnel were reported to have been injured during the clash. The incident has since led to a series of legal and political developments, with authorities investigating the violence and protesters seeking to press for accountability and reforms in the examination system.
The High Court’s decision means that the request for a court-directed NIA probe will not proceed through the PIL. Any future decision to refer a case to the central agency will remain with the competent authorities under the applicable legal framework.
