On September 1, 2026, the Supreme Court used its extraordinary powers under Article 142 of the Constitution to quash FIRs registered across India linked to protests led by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP). These demonstrations centered around Jantar Mantar and spread across surrounding areas in the heart of the national Capital.
The orders applied to cases filed in Delhi, Bihar, Maharashtra, West Bengal, and Assam regarding demonstrations held between July 20 and 25. The Top Court closed similar FIRs in other states and barred new ones over those incidents.
Calling the ruling a “healing balm,” the Apex Court said criminal cases should not ruin the futures of young students making democratic demands. However, police can still act against individuals with serious criminal records identified via facial recognition technology.