The Delhi High Court is set to hear a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) on Friday concerning the ongoing student protests at Jantar Mantar regarding alleged NEET exam irregularities. The PIL, filed by Satish Kumar Aggarwal, a former vice-president of the Akhil Bharat Hindu Mahasabha, seeks a comprehensive investigation into the demonstration's true nature and objectives.
PIL Alleges Political Influence and Public Disruption
Petitioner Satish Kumar Aggarwal has raised serious questions about the authenticity of the student protest, arguing that it has been “converted into a political agitation.” The plea contends that leaders from various political parties have participated in and influenced the demonstration, shifting its focus from a genuine student grievance to a politically driven event.
Lawyer Barun Kumar Sinha, representing the petitioner, informed Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya that the protest has effectively held Delhi “hostage,” blocking roads and causing significant suffering to citizens. The Chief Justice agreed to list the case for hearing on Friday.
“This is against the so-called student agitation. They have made the entire Delhi hostage. Roads have been blocked. Citizens of Delhi are suffering,” lawyer Barun Kumar Sinha submitted.
The PIL further alleges a range of unlawful activities during the protest, including:
- Obstruction of public movement, including ambulances.
- Damage to both public and private property.
- Attacks on journalists.
- Attempts to breach security arrangements near Parliament House.
- Injuries sustained by police and other public officials.
The petitioner has called for an investigation by “appropriate specialised agencies,” including the National Investigation Agency (NIA), to ascertain if any external elements are involved in activities deemed “prejudicial to public order, national security, and the sovereignty and integrity of India.”
Background of the NEET Protests
The protests, led by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), began on June 20, demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Thousands of students participated in a ‘Chalo Sansad’ march, which was met with police action, including lathi-charges and tear gas, to disperse the crowd. The Centre has reportedly asked the police to respond to counter-PILs alleging excessive force against the students.