CJP Spokesperson Advocates Defamation Over Criminal Charges in Protest Remarks Case

Saurav Das, a spokesperson for the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), expressed his disapproval of the criminal charges filed against a woman for her derogatory comments directed at Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a protest at Jantar Mantar. The incident, which occurred amidst the CJP's demonstration concerning the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak scandal, has sparked a debate about the appropriateness of using criminal law against individuals expressing dissenting opinions. Das emphasized that the focus should be on civil defamation proceedings rather than criminal actions, arguing that the latter could create a chilling effect on free speech, particularly among younger generations.

In an interview with the Press Trust of India (PTI), Das stated that while he acknowledges the potential offensiveness of certain language, it should not warrant the invocation of criminal justice measures against protesters. He urged those who feel aggrieved by such remarks to pursue defamation claims instead, highlighting the importance of distinguishing between objectionable speech and criminal behavior. Das articulated that punishing individuals for their choice of words could discourage open dialogue and dissent, which are vital components of a democratic society. He called for a more measured approach to handling such situations, advocating for civil remedies over punitive criminal actions.