SC to hear plea seeking action against July 20 Parliament march organisers

The Supreme Court on Monday (August 3) agreed to hear a plea seeking legal action against organisers of the Parliament march on July 20 led by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) for alleged incitement of violence.

Plea against organisers

The plea further seeks that minors using abusive language against Prime Minister Narendra Modi on social media be ordered to do community service instead of criminal prosecution being initiated against them.

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The plea, filed by a retired Air Force officer, was mentioned before Chief Justice of India Surya Kant for urgent listing by advocate Rizwan Ahmed.

"The organisers are still fanning the fire even though the government has been very generous. The organisers are making reckless statements and creating acrimony in the society. The accountability of the organisers should also be fixed," stated the counsel as quoted by Live Law.

Uniform policy sought

Seeking a uniform national policy with regard to arrests and lodging FIRs in the wake of the July 20 protest, the petitioner stated different approaches have been adopted by states in relation to withdrawal of FIRs.

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"Different States are passing different notifications regarding the arrest and FIR. It is a national issue. A uniform policy should be addressed here. These notifications are creating discontent in the minds of peace-loving citizens of the country," he stated.

Community service proposal

The petition further stated that minors and young people resorting to posting abusive content on social media need corrective action, adding that criminal prosecution would be counterproductive.

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"Young girls and boys who unfortunately use very derogatory and abusive language, FIRs are being filed against them. They are making videos, putting them on social media. It is becoming an ugly battleground," stated the counsel.

"There should be a uniform policy to send them for community service of at least seven days and then leave them alone. But no FIRs should be lodged. That will create more acrimony in the society. This is the urgency," he added.

The top court is likely to hear the matter on Tuesday (August 4) or Wednesday (August 5).