SC’s Realistic Observations

July 31, 2026

-Abhishek Vij 

The judiciary is highly respected in our country. The comments of the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, its highest court, hold great importance. When CJI Justice Surya Kant made a comment about youth using the example of a cockroach, the youth took it as sarcasm and formed the Cockroach Janata Party.

The CJP fearlessly protested against the paper leak at Jantar Mantar in Delhi. Millions of youth across the country joined in. The government attempted to counter the student movement with an iron hand, ensuring discipline was maintained at Jantar Mantar and Parliament Street and preventing the youth from marching towards Parliament. The youth conducted their movement largely in a non-violent and disciplined manner, ultimately ending with the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan as Education Minister.

While Parliament is debating how to ensure the country’s youth don’t have to face the paper leak issue again, some of the Chief Justice’s comments seem to reflect the reality. First, he stated that he didn’t call all young people cockroaches, but only those who are idle and useless. His second comment was that under the Indian Constitution and democracy, everyone has the right to protest with articulate expression.

Expressing one’s views through non-violent protests is not a crime. Regarding the arrests of young people and clashes with the police during the paper leak movement, the Supreme Court clearly stated that actions against innocent young people for protesting should be stopped. Minor students should be released, and the case of police excesses during the student protests should also be heard. The court clearly stated that protesters under the age of 18 who have no criminal record should be released. The Supreme Court also hinted that the Supreme Court could form an SIT headed by a retired judge to investigate any excesses committed by students or police during this movement. In fact, numerous petitions have been filed alleging police excesses during the student protests. Justice Surya Kant stated that a clear and impartial investigation is needed.

Anyone who took the law into their own hands will face action. There are also allegations of police using pellet guns, nail-studded batons, and electric batons, resulting in serious injuries to several students. The Chief Justice clearly stated that the student protests were peaceful and in accordance with constitutional rights. Those who tried to stop them used excessive force, which should not have been done. Additionally, there have been some complaints regarding the behavior of police officers. The bench directed that protesting students be protected from punitive action, but clearly not those with criminal records. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the government, stated that some unruly elements had become involved in the violent incidents.

It should now be investigated whether the attacks on 250 police personnel were carried out by students or by those with history-sheeters. Yes, it is essential to ensure that pellet guns are not used during such protests. It should be investigated who gave the order to use them. The Supreme Court acknowledged the students’ right to protest. All of this, in itself, reflects a humanitarian perspective. India’s young students are India’s true asset. The need of the hour is to ensure they are not mistreated or subjected to corruption in their education