CJI Clarifies on CJP Protests: Supreme Court Wasn't Approached, Now Set to Hear Petitions

In what can only be described as a rather direct and somewhat exasperated clarification, Chief Justice of India Surya Kant stepped forward this past Friday, July 24, making it abundantly clear that certain media outlets had been, well, a little too quick off the mark. He firmly stated in open court that, contrary to some rather 'reckless' reporting, the Supreme Court had not, in fact, received any formal petitions regarding the controversial Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protests before that very day.

It seems the rumour mill was working overtime following the CJP's 'Chalo Sansad' march on July 20. The protests, which saw thousands descend upon New Delhi's Sansad Marg, spiralled into clashes and allegations of excessive force by law enforcement. Yet, the CJI, joined by Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana, stressed that while there might have been some informal mentions, nothing substantial had landed on their judicial desks until very recently.

Indeed, it's a messy situation. Initially, a lawyer, Narendra Mishra, had tried to move the apex court on Wednesday, July 22, requesting suo motu proceedings – essentially asking the court to take action on its own initiative, based on media reports about the police action. The Supreme Court, however, politely but firmly declined, emphasizing that a formal petition, properly instituted, was the correct channel. As the CJI himself put it, "We cannot act on newspaper reports or oral mentions unless a formal petition is filed." A fair point, one might say, given the gravity of legal proceedings.

Fast forward to Friday afternoon, July 24, and things began to change. Senior advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan informed the court that, finally, formally instituted petitions had been filed. These pleas touch upon a range of urgent issues: allegations of police brutality against CJP protesters, the contentious suspension of internet services in the capital, and even claims of injuries, including one particularly harrowing account of a young man potentially losing his eyesight.

And so, after all the back and forth, the Supreme Court has now agreed to hear these matters. The date set is Monday, July 27, when a bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and V. Mohana will delve into the complexities of the situation. It’s worth noting that petitioner Umesh Kumar's plea specifically asks for a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the alleged police violence, the registration of FIRs against the responsible officers, and compensation for the injured.

Meanwhile, the Delhi High Court is also busy. On Wednesday, July 22, it had already sought responses from the Delhi Police and the Union government regarding petitions alleging police violence against the protesters. That particular matter is slated for its next hearing on September 11. More recently, on Friday, July 24, the High Court also agreed to hear a petition challenging the Union government's decision to suspend internet services across parts of New Delhi on Thursday, July 23, from 4 p.m. until midnight. Imagine the disruption!

The human cost of these protests is, perhaps, the most poignant. Nineteen-year-old Sahil Lochab, a protester, tragically risks losing vision in his right eye after a pellet pierced his pupil. The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has stated it is 'verifying' media reports regarding such pellet injuries, emphasizing that "no action has been taken so far, as the veracity is still being ascertained." It’s a stark reminder of the fragile line between protest and conflict.

Adding another layer to the unfolding drama, a CJP delegation, including its leaders, even met with Union Ministers J.P. Nadda, Jitendra Singh, and Dharmendra Pradhan on Friday, July 24, at the Constitution Club. The discussions reportedly revolved around the incidents that occurred during the 'Chalo Sansad' march, demonstrating a political engagement alongside the legal wrangling.

So, while the initial media frenzy might have jumped the gun, the legal system is now, very much, engaged. The coming week promises to be crucial as both the Supreme Court and the Delhi High Court begin to systematically address the myriad of issues stemming from these impactful protests.