Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke has questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s message of forgiveness for students accused of using abusive language during the Jantar Mantar protest, asking whether the government’s conciliatory remarks would also lead to the withdrawal of criminal cases against them.
Dipke’s response came after the Prime Minister shared a video on social media saying he forgave the students who allegedly used abusive language against him and his late mother during the recent protest. In the video, PM Modi described the students as “misguided” and urged society to guide them instead of seeking punishment.
Responding to the video, Dipke wrote, “Sirf reel par hi maaf karoge ya cases bhi vapas loge?” (Will you forgive them only in a reel, or will you also withdraw the cases?), questioning whether the appeal for compassion would translate into legal relief for the accused students.
PM Modi calls for guidance instead of punishment
In his video message, Prime Minister Modi said abusive language has no place in a civilised society but stressed that young people who make mistakes deserve guidance rather than prolonged legal action.
Describing the protesters as “misguided children,” the Prime Minister said that punishing them through lengthy court proceedings or social harassment would not improve the situation. He appealed to the public to help reform them instead.
The Prime Minister’s statement came on the same day reports emerged that a girl accused of using objectionable language during the July 23 protest had issued a public apology. According to media reports, she described the incident as her “first and last mistake” and apologised to the country. While the FIR reportedly identifies her as a 25-year-old, the apology video claims she is 15 years old. Hindustan Times stated it could not independently verify the authenticity of the video.
CJP questions FIR and demands equal treatment
Dipke also criticised the FIR registered against the girl, alleging selective application of the law. He questioned whether similar legal action had been taken against political leaders or social media users accused of using abusive language in public.
In a video shared by the party, Dipke asked why cases were not registered against individuals allegedly associated with the BJP’s IT cell for offensive remarks targeting women. He also referred to past controversial statements made by certain political leaders, asking whether the same legal standards were being applied in every case.
Background of the controversy
The controversy stems from a Zero FIR registered against a woman for allegedly using abusive and objectionable language against Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the CJP-led protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar. The case was initially registered in Noida before being transferred to New Delhi for further investigation.
The issue has triggered a wider political debate over freedom of expression, accountability and the use of criminal law in cases involving offensive speech, with both the government and opposition offering contrasting views on the matter.