CJP withdraws September 5 Delhi protest march after Centre’s assurances, SC quashes FIRs

The Cockroach Janata Party on Tuesday (September 1) told the Supreme Court that it has decided to withdraw its September 5 protest march in Delhi in view of the Centre’s “positive assurances” and the orders passed by the apex court. CJP co-convener Saurav Das informed the bench of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V. Mohana about the decision by the CJP.

The Supreme Court finally proceeded to quash all the FIRs across the country in all states and Union Territories in relation to the students' protest held between July 20 and 25, stating that they should not be pursued or investigated and must be treated as closed for all intents and purposes.

However, the top court, however, granted permission to the Delhi Police to pursue one FIR against 2,873 individuals who took part in the Jantar Mantar protests, since they had serious criminal antecedents.

What CJP told SC

“Thank you, sir. I am just here to read out a statement. As co-convener of the CJP, I want to state that in view of the positive assurances of the Government of India and the judicial sanctity bestowed upon them today, and in view of the order being passed by this Court, the CJP deems it appropriate to withdraw the call for the march on September 5 and looks forward to compliance with today's order. I also thank the Court for this decision and the learned counsel on both sides, Ms. Vrinda Grover and the Solicitor General, for their efforts,” stated Das as quoted by Live Law.

Also Read: Bihar, Bengal, Maharashtra, Assam urge SC to quash 116 FIRs over Delhi protests

Centre, states seek FIR quashing

During the hearing, Solicitor General of India Tushar Mehta told the court that the Centre (Delhi Police) and the States of Bihar, Assam, West Bengal and Maharashtra have filed petitions seeking quashing of the FIRs against student protesters. Mehta also said that no further FIRs in relation to protest incidents from July 20 to July 25.

He further stated that in view of the commitment by the Centre, it was expected that the CJP would call off the September 5 protest.

CJI welcomes CJP's decision

The CJI welcomed the decision, stating, "If both sides show good faith, then all issues can be resolved one by one. There is nothing in the world which is too complicated that it cannot be discussed with an open mind."

Also Read: Demoralised CJP leaders wanted to end protest after July 20 crackdown: Sonam Wangchuk

The development comes a day after the Supreme Court declined to interfere with a proposed September 5 protest march in Delhi by the CJP, stating that it was up to the Centre and Delhi government to decide on law and order arrangements. It further stated that all stakeholders were expected to act peacefully and within the boundaries of law.

The CJP had announced the September 5 protest on August 24, accusing the Centre of failing to fulfil its assurances given to the outfit on July 25, which led to the withdrawal of the prolonged protests.