The Centre has moved the Supreme Court seeking quashing of 13 FIRs registered in connection with the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP)-led student protests, invoking the Court’s extraordinary powers under Article 142 of the Constitution.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta mentioned the application on Monday before a Bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana, seeking an urgent listing.
“I want to move one IA, if lordships can permit listing tomorrow. Some urgency... It's regarding that protest, for the purpose of FIRs to be quashed etc. Article 142, we are invoking,” Mehta told the Bench.
CJI Surya Kant responded,
“Alright, you file. If parties are reconciling, we have no difficulty.”
The Centre’s application seeks quashing of 13 FIRs registered by the Delhi Police in connection with the protest-related incidents. The FIRs include allegations relating to rioting, attempt to murder, robbery and damage to public property.
At the same time, the Centre has sought liberty to proceed separately against 2,873 persons whom it says have serious criminal antecedents. The application also states that no fresh FIR would be registered for the incidents covered by the present matter. If any similar FIR relating to the same incidents comes to light later, the authorities would not oppose its quashing.
The student protests had raised demands concerning alleged examination paper leaks, with withdrawal of criminal cases against protesters being among the demands placed before the government.
The Supreme Court had earlier considered the possibility of using Article 142 to resolve the issue concerning the FIRs.
The Bench on Monday agreed to list the Centre’s application for hearing on Tuesday.
