The Allahabad High Court's Lucknow Bench on Tuesday (2 June) declined to entertain a criminal public interest litigation seeking an investigation into an organisation called "Cockroach Janta Party" and its founder, observing that the petition lacked any specific connection with Uttar Pradesh.
A Division Bench of Justice Shekhar B. Saraf and Justice Abdhesh Kumar Chaudhary allowed the petitioner to withdraw the case and granted liberty to file a fresh petition before a court having appropriate jurisdiction.
Background of the Case
The petition was filed by Bengaluru resident S. Vignesh Shishir, who appeared in person before the Court. He alleged that Abhijit Dipke, founder of the unregistered organisation "Cockroach Janta Party", was involved in activities detrimental to India's sovereignty, integrity and security.
The petitioner sought directions for a detailed investigation by agencies including the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED). He also requested action against several social media accounts allegedly associated with the organisation.
After examining the pleadings, the Bench questioned the maintainability of the petition before the Lucknow Bench.
The Court noted that the petitioner had described himself throughout the petition and accompanying affidavit as a permanent resident of Bengaluru. It further observed that the issues raised were of a national nature and did not disclose any specific cause of action arising within Uttar Pradesh.
"The petitioner, being a resident of Bengaluru and raising an issue that is of national importance, should have first approached the Karnataka High Court," the Bench observed.
The judges also noted that the petitioner had previously appeared before the Court and identified himself as a resident of Bengaluru. The fact that certain complaints had allegedly been sent from a Lucknow address did not alter the jurisdictional position, the Court indicated.
Once the Court conveyed its view that the petition was not maintainable due to jurisdictional concerns and the principle of forum non conveniens, the petitioner sought permission to withdraw the matter.
Accepting the request, the Bench disposed of the criminal PIL and granted liberty to the petitioner to file a fresh criminal public interest petition before a court possessing competent jurisdiction.
Case Details
Case Title: S. Vignesh Shishir v. Union of India Through Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs, New Delhi & 21 Others
Case Number: Criminal Writ-Public Interest Litigation No. 7 of 2026
Judges: Justice Shekhar B. Saraf and Justice Abdhesh Kumar Chaudhary
Decision Date: June 2, 2026
