Delhi High Court to Hear PIL on CJP Protest Surveillance Concerns

The Delhi High Court has agreed to hear a Public Interest Litigation (PIL on Monday, July 20, challenging alleged “intrusive surveillance” of Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protesters at Jantar Mantar. The petition, filed by former JNU Students’ Union president Aishe Ghosh, contests the Delhi Police's installation of a permanent surveillance tower and systematic photography and videography of protest participants.

Surveillance Tower Sparks Constitutional Concerns

The plea seeks a judicial declaration that blanket surveillance measures at the protest site are unconstitutional. It alleges that protesters have been subjected to continuous monitoring since the demonstration began, including through the operation of a permanent surveillance tower. Protesters claim this surveillance lacks statutory authority, procedural safeguards, or a constitutionally valid justification.

Aishe Ghosh’s petition further accuses police personnel of threatening student protesters that images and videos captured during the protest would be sent to their parents, guardians, and educational institutions. According to the petition, these threats aim to deter participation and have created a chilling effect on the constitutional rights to free speech and peaceful assembly.

Protest Against NEET-UG Paper Leak Continues

Supporters of the CJP have been protesting at Jantar Mantar since June 6, 2026, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over allegations of a NEET-UG paper leak and irregularities in other recruitment examinations. CJP founder Abhijit Dipke has vowed to continue the sit-in until Mr. Pradhan steps down.

The High Court’s decision to hear the PIL could set a precedent on the limits of surveillance at public protests, with implications for constitutional freedoms in India.

Source: The Hindu