New Delhi: The Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) on Monday sought to distance itself from protesters accused of engaging in violence, asserting that only those who participated in peaceful demonstrations deserve legal protection and relief.
During a press conference, Ratna, a lawyer representing the CJP, responded to questions from Times Now Digital on whether the group would apologise if evidence showed that some students had initiated violence during the protests.
Asked whether the CJP would apologise if investigations established that certain protesters had assaulted police personnel first, Ratna maintained that violence was never endorsed by the organisation.
“We have also said that assaults were not a part of our protest,” she said.
When pressed on how the CJP could make that claim with certainty, Ratna said the organisation had consistently instructed participants to remain within the bounds of the law.
“We have been saying it to our protesters as well, that if you are doing something which is against the law, then you’re not part of this protest,” she said.
Ratna, however, clarified that the CJP’s demand for withdrawal of cases was not blanket immunity for everyone detained during the demonstrations.
She said the platform is seeking relief only for protesters who did not engage in violence but allegedly faced police action despite participating peacefully.
“We want all cases where protesters have not done anything and they have been assaulted… those protesters to be safe,” she said.
She added that the CJP also wants protection for protesters who may have reacted after force was allegedly used against them.
At the same time, Ratna distanced the platform from individuals accused of vandalism or hooliganism.
“Those protesters who are trying to do hooliganism and are calling themselves protesters, I think we don’t relate to them,” she said.
The remarks come as the CJP has announced plans to create a legal support framework for protesters, including a lawyers’ portal and a dedicated legal defence fund, while demanding accountability over alleged police excesses during recent demonstrations.
Rs 1 Crore Legal Fund for Protesters, Lawyers’ Network Coming Soon
Senior advocate and Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal on Monday announced that the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) will create a legal framework to defend protesters facing police action and legal cases, while also launching a dedicated online portal connecting affected individuals with lawyers willing to provide legal assistance.
Addressing a press conference organised by the CJP, Sibal said he would personally contribute Rs 1 crore towards setting up a legal defence fund for protesters.
“I will give Rs 1 crore for this,” Sibal said, adding that the fund would also be opened for public contributions. According to Sibal, the money collected will be used exclusively for the legal protection of protesters.
“This fund and every rupee collected will only be used for the protection of protesters. How it will be used is CJP’s responsibility,” he said.