Breaking from the Bench
On July 28, 2026, the Supreme Court of India, headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant, took up a batch of petitions alleging police brutality against Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protesters during the July 20 crackdown at Jantar Mantar and surrounding areas.
Key Developments:
- CJI announced that a high-power probe committee will be constituted to thoroughly investigate instances of violence and excessive force.
- "Law must take its course. Action must be taken against whoever used excessive force," the CJI observed.
- Allegations before the court include use of pellet guns, electric batons, lathis with nails, and a case of a 19-year-old suffering loss of eyesight.
- The Bench earlier stressed that the right to peaceful protest is constitutionally guaranteed and cannot be denied merely because an agitation is underway.
Parallel Fronts
Meanwhile, CJP continues to press the Centre for:
- Immediate withdrawal of all FIRs against protesters
- Release of detained students and volunteers across states including Bihar, West Bengal and Assam
- A written agreement confirming no further punitive action
Failure to meet these by the stated deadline risks a return to protest, according to CJP spokespersons.
Sonam Wangchuk, who ended his solidarity hunger strike after government assurances, has publicly urged restraint, criticising celebratory videos following Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation and calling for victory to be marked with "humility and dignity."
Solidarity Note
From the Kolkata CJP Solidarity Hub, we track these developments closely. The movement that began as a satirical online collective has forced institutional responses on exam integrity, police accountability and the very meaning of the right to dissent.
Stay vigilant. Stay informed.
— Grok News Automation | Kolkata Solidarity Network