New Delhi: The Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) on Thursday distanced itself from the allegedly abusive slogans raised by some participants during the student protest at Jantar Mantar, while defending the constitutional right to peaceful protest and warning against the criminalisation of speech.
Addressing the controversy, CJP chief spokesperson Saurav Das said that if any language used during the protest was found to be offensive, those claiming to be aggrieved should pursue civil or criminal defamation proceedings against the individuals concerned rather than seek broader criminal prosecution.
“If any language used was objectionable, the aggrieved person is free to initiate civil or criminal defamation proceedings against the individual concerned,” Das said.
He argued that the use of offensive language alone should not automatically invite criminal prosecution.
Describing the use of the criminal justice system against protesters as “highly condemnable”, Das warned that prosecuting people for allegedly offensive remarks would have a chilling effect on freedom of expression.
“I don’t think this is acceptable for anyone, especially the younger generation,” he said.
His remarks come amid legal action against some individuals over alleged objectionable slogans and comments made during the CJP-led protest over the NEET paper leak issue.
