The Delhi High Court has received a petition from Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the satirical online movement “Cockroach Janta Party” (CJP). He has challenged the Central Government’s decision to block the organisation’s X account.
Dipke claims that authorities blocked the account by citing national security concerns.
Reports state that Advocate Nakul Gandhi filed the petition on Dipke’s behalf. The High Court is likely to hear the matter later this week.
Origin of the Cockroach Janta Party
The “Cockroach Janta Party” emerged on social media after controversy surrounding oral remarks attributed to Chief Justice of India Surya Kant.
The controversy arose during a hearing on the designation of lawyers as senior advocates. References to “cockroaches” and “parasites” triggered widespread reactions and online satire.
Later, the Chief Justice clarified that he had referred to individuals possessing fake degrees.
Social Media Movement Gains Popularity
The movement quickly gained traction across social media platforms.
According to reports, the organisation attracted millions of followers within a short period. Soon after, X withheld the CJP account in India.
Government sources reportedly stated that the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology directed X to block the account. The Ministry acted after receiving inputs from the Intelligence Bureau regarding alleged national security concerns.
Authorities reportedly invoked Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000, to justify the action.
Founder Alleges Coordinated Digital Disruptions
Dipke has alleged that several digital platforms linked to the organisation faced disruptions.
According to him, hackers compromised the party’s Instagram account. He also claimed that platforms removed backup accounts and took down the party’s website.
Issue Mentioned Before Supreme Court
The controversy also reached the Supreme Court.
On Monday, Advocate N.K. Goswami orally mentioned a matter seeking urgent listing in connection with the issue.
During the mentioning, counsel argued that people continued to circulate a distorted and malicious narrative despite the Chief Justice’s clarification.
Responding to the submission, the Chief Justice reportedly remarked, “Don’t take it so sentimentally.”
Related Petitions Before the Supreme Court
Another petition also came before the Supreme Court in the wake of the controversy.
The petition sought directions to prevent the monetisation of oral observations made during court proceedings. It also requested a CBI probe into allegations involving fake lawyers.
The Court declined urgent listing. It stated that it would hear the matter in due course.
Trademark Applications Filed
Meanwhile, reports indicate that parties have filed trademark applications for the phrase “Cockroach Janta Party.”
The development adds another dimension to a controversy that continues to attract legal and public attention.
