‘How can a magistrate dare to do this?’ CJI displeased over notice to student regarding CJP protest

September 9, 2026

New Delhi: The Supreme Court has expressed strong displeasure over the notice issued to a Noida student in a case related to the CJP (Cockroach Janata Party) protest. During the hearing, the Chief Justice (CJI) questioned how a magistrate dared to issue such a notice when the court had already directed against taking any coercive action against students.

The case involves Akshat Tripathi, a law student at Gautam Buddha University in Greater Noida. The notice was issued to the student by the Executive Magistrate of Greater Noida, based on a police report alleging that the student was encouraging other students to participate in the CJP’s proposed protest.

Student asked to submit a bond of ₹5 lakh

The notice asked the student to submit a personal bond of ₹5 lakh and two sureties of the same amount to maintain peace. This action was taken under preventive provisions of the Indian Civil Services Code (BNSS).

The police report accused the student of allegedly spreading anti-government material and inciting other students to join the protest. Authorities feared this could create tension on the university campus and impact law and order.

However, the student denied the allegations and stated that he had participated peacefully in the protest.

Old SC order cited

The senior advocate representing the student in the Supreme Court told the court that the notice was issued at a time when the apex court had already granted protection from punitive or coercive action against students involved in the CJP protest.

The CJI issued a stern remark, questioning how an Executive Magistrate could take such action when a clear Supreme Court order was in place. The court also hinted at seeking answers from the relevant authorities in the matter.

The lawyer also argued before the court that such notices could create an atmosphere of fear among students and prevent them from expressing their views democratically in the future.

Notice withdrawn, but case continues in the Supreme Court

After the controversy escalated, the notice issued to the student was withdrawn. However, the Supreme Court did not end the matter there and ordered the notice and related documents to be placed on record to clarify the circumstances under which the action was taken.

This issue comes after the Supreme Court’s earlier action regarding the CJP protests. The court had emphasized the balance between students’ rights and law and order while prohibiting action against students in some protest-related cases.

The court is now also examining whether the notice issued to the student by the Noida administration was in accordance with the Supreme Court’s earlier directives.