Rajya Sabha MP and senior advocate Kapil Sibal on July 27, announced a contribution of Rs 1 crore to the legal aid fund established by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) to support students and protesters facing police action in connection with the recent Delhi protests.
Speaking at a press conference alongside CJP spokesperson Saurav Das, Sibal said the fund would be used to monitor legal cases registered against students and protesters across different states and provide legal assistance through a network of lawyers.
He said peaceful protesters in states including Bihar, Assam, West Bengal and Maharashtra should not face criminal proceedings and called for the withdrawal of FIRs registered against them.
“We have decided to create a mechanism to track the legal cases lodged by governments wherever peaceful protests have taken place. Our lawyers will provide legal aid to those affected. We have demanded that there should not be any FIRs, and where they have been registered, they should be withdrawn,” Sibal said.
According to Sibal, the CJP will also launch a dedicated website carrying details of students against whom FIRs have been registered. The portal will enable advocates from across the country to volunteer and provide pro bono or other legal assistance.
Announcing his contribution, Sibal said he had donated Rs 1 crore to the legal aid fund and appealed to lawyers nationwide to support the initiative financially and professionally.
“From my side, I have contributed Rs 1 crore, and I urge advocates throughout India to extend their help by contributing to this fund so that we can assist those affected. Our lawyers are standing up for those who have been affected by the misuse of law,” he said.
CJP spokesperson Saurav Das alleged that there was a credible apprehension that students involved in the NEET protests could face criminal cases despite assurances given by the Centre. He said the organisation was coordinating with Supreme Court lawyers to provide legal support to students booked by the police.
The announcement comes amid continuing legal and political developments surrounding the NEET protests, with student groups and political organisations raising concerns over police action against demonstrators in several states.
