A petition has been filed before the Delhi High Court challenging the blocking of the X account of the satirical online movement “Cockroach Janta Party” (CJP), which recently gained massive traction on social media platforms.
The plea has been moved by CJP founder Abhijit Dipke through Advocate Nakul Gandhi of NG Law Chambers. The matter is expected to be taken up for hearing this week.
Background of the Case
According to the petition, the Central government directed X to withhold the account under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000, citing “national security concerns”.
The action reportedly followed inputs from the Intelligence Bureau (IB). The account had gathered a large following within days, particularly among younger users, through political satire and commentary on unemployment, institutional accountability and media freedom.
The movement emerged after oral remarks made during a Supreme Court hearing on May 15, where Chief Justice of India Surya Kant referred to certain unemployed youth and online activists as “cockroaches”. The CJI later clarified that the remarks were aimed at individuals using fake degrees and forged qualifications.
Earlier this week, a lawyer mentioned before the Supreme Court that a “distorted and malicious narrative” was continuing despite the clarification issued by the Chief Justice.
Responding to the submission, the CJI remarked, “Don’t take it so sentimentally.”
Another plea connected to the controversy, seeking directions against monetisation of oral court remarks and a probe into fake lawyers, was also mentioned before the apex court. However, the bench observed that there was no urgency in the matter.
The petition challenging the blocking of the “Cockroach Janta Party” X account is likely to be heard by the Delhi High Court later this week.
