CJP to launch legal aid website for protesters; Kabil Sibal pledges ₹1 crore, Opposition alleges crackdown

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) on Monday announced that it will launch a dedicated website to track legal action against protesters and connect affected students with lawyers, as Rajya Sabha MP and senior advocate Kabil Sibal pledged ₹1 crore towards a legal aid fund.

Addressing a press conference alongside CJP spokesperson Saurav Das, Sibal said the portal will document cases filed against protesters across the country and create a network of lawyers willing to provide free legal assistance. Advocates will be able to register their names, locations, and areas of expertise on the platform.

Sibal urged lawyers and citizens to contribute to the fund, saying it would support peaceful protesters facing what he described as misuse of legal provisions and false criminal cases.

Meanwhile, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav alleged that several students had been detained by the Uttar Pradesh Police in connection with the Prayagraj protests despite the Centre’s assurance that no action would be taken against students. He demanded their immediate release, action against the officials responsible, and urged the Supreme Court to take suo motu cognisance of the matter.

The Congress also condemned the alleged police action and offered legal assistance to students who have received legal notices, been detained, summoned for questioning, or had their social media posts removed. The party claimed FIRs had been filed against students in multiple states despite government assurances and said its youth and student wings would extend full support.

Earlier in the day, the CJP issued an ultimatum to the Centre, alleging a breach of the agreement on avoiding police action against protesters. The organisation claimed students had been arrested in Bihar and West Bengal and volunteers detained in Delhi.

Demanding the immediate withdrawal of all FIRs and the release of detained students, the CJP warned that it would resume protests if the assurances were not honoured. It also sought a written commitment from the government on legal action against protesters by Tuesday.