'Can't Substitute Our Satisfaction For Centre's': Delhi HC Junks NIA Probe Plea Into Jantar Mantar Protest

Published 24 July 2026 · local

'Can't Substitute Our Satisfaction For Centre's': Delhi HC Junks NIA Probe Plea Into Jantar Mantar Protest Published By, Last Updated: July 24, 2026, 17:19 IST

'Can't Substitute Our Satisfaction For Centre's': Delhi HC Junks NIA Probe Plea Into Jantar Mantar Protest Published By, Last Updated: July 24, 2026, 17:19 IST Delhi High Court refused NIA probe into Cockroach Janta Party protest, Sansad Chalo march. Court said NIA probe is Centre's domain. NEET Paper Leak Case The Delhi High Court on Friday refused to hear a plea seeking the Investigation Agency (NIA) probe into the Cockroach Janta Party protest and the “Sansad Chalo" march held on July 20. The court observed that ordering an NIA investigation falls within the Centre’s domain and not that of the judiciary. A bench comprising Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia said it could not replace the Central government’s satisfaction with its own while deciding whether an NIA probe was required. “We can’t substitute our satisfaction for the satisfaction of the Central government," the Bench observed during the hearing.

The court also noted that the petition had sought directions to the NIA or another specialised agency to investigate the July 20 incident, which the petitioner alleged was an attempt to obstruct Parliament. “So far as prayers 1 and 2 are concerned, a direction has been sought directing NIA or any other specialised investigating agency to investigate the incident dated July 20, which according to the petitioner was an attempt to block the Parliament House…" the Bench said. During the proceedings, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the central government, advised the petitioner to withdraw the plea instead of pursuing it further. “My lords may not record all this..If I were the petitioner, I would have withdrawn this…Mr. please withdraw the petition," Mehta said. The petitioner subsequently agreed to withdraw the PIL, following which the High Court disposed of the matter.

At the beginning of the hearing, counsel representing the Centre had urged the court to issue notice in the case before the matter was taken up for consideration. The PIL was filed amid growing political debate over the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)-led protests in Delhi against the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak. The demonstration, including the ‘Sansad Chalo’ march, witnessed clashes and allegations of disruption in parts of the national capital. The issue gained further political attention after BJP leaders alleged that the agitation may have involved external influences. Union Minister of State for Education Sukanta Majumdar said there were concerns that certain groups were attempting to politicise the student protests and claimed that allegations of foreign involvement deserved investigation. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit About the Author Anushka Vats Anushka Vats is a Sub-Editor at News18.com with a passion for storytelling and a curiosity that extends beyond the newsroom.