NEW DELHI — Providing sweeping relief to student activists across India, the Supreme Court has quashed all police cases registered in connection with the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) demonstrations held between July 20 and July 25, 2026.
The bench made a sole exception for individuals with established criminal backgrounds, allowing law enforcement to proceed in those selective cases. Following the judicial verdict, the CJP officially called off its planned protest march in New Delhi scheduled for September 5.
Summary of Key Directives & Assurances
-
Pan-India FIR Annulment: The order applies across all states and Union Territories, invalidating cases filed against peaceful student protesters during the late-July demonstrations.
-
Sole Exception for Criminal Records: The Delhi Police has been permitted to maintain one FIR involving 2,873 individuals at Jantar Mantar who possess prior criminal records.
-
Immunity from Future Prosecution: The Central Government guaranteed that no new cases will be registered regarding the July 20–25 protest events.
-
NEET-UG Compensation Deadline: The top court granted the Centre a strict three-month timeline to finalize compensation procedures for families of students who died by suicide after the cancellation of the NEET-UG 2026 examination.
Constructive Resolution in Court
The Supreme Court bench, chaired by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, praised the cooperative approach shown by both parties in reaching an amicable resolution.
Solicitor General of India Tushar Mehta represented the Centre alongside state governments including Bihar, Assam, Maharashtra, and West Bengal, confirming that the applications to drop cases directly fulfilled commitments made to student representatives on July 25.
Speaking on behalf of the CJP, spokesperson Saurav Das expressed gratitude to the court and stated that the judicial backing of government commitments rendered the upcoming September 5 Delhi rally unnecessary.
