A 20-year-old law student in his second year at Gautam Buddha University, who is accused of involvement in the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protests held in July, received a notice from the Greater Noida Executive Magistrate last Friday. The notice requires him to provide a personal bond of Rs 5 lakh to ensure maintenance of peace, according to police reports.
On Tuesday, authorities announced that the notice had been revoked the following day after a thorough investigation into the allegations.
This development follows a ruling from the Supreme Court on September 1, which dismissed all FIRs against individuals who participated in the CJP protests between July 20 and July 25, with the exception of those with prior criminal records.
The notice, issued on September 4, was directed at Akshat Tripathi, a resident of Ecotech-1 originally from Jhusi, Allahabad. It was based on Section 130 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), granting the Magistrate authority to mandate a bond to ensure good behavior as a preventative measure. This action stemmed from proceedings initiated under Section 126 of the BNSS for wrongful restraint and Section 135, which allows the Magistrate to investigate circumstances warranting a bond for good behavior.
According to police documentation, Tripathi was accused of disseminating anti-government and misleading information among fellow students, potentially inciting public unrest.
The notice required Tripathi to explain why he should not be compelled to maintain peace for a period of six months by posting a personal bond of Rs 5 lakh along with two local sureties of the same amount. A hearing was scheduled for September 5.
Currently in Allahabad, Tripathi refuted the allegations, stating, “I haven’t attended the university for the last three months. A two-month break began on May 25. For the past month, classes have shifted online due to maintenance work on campus. I was working at the Allahabad High Court in July. How could I have gone to the university and provoked anyone?” he remarked to The Indian Express.
In response to the notice issued to Tripathi, Saurav Das, co-convener of the CJP, expressed on X: “Has the District Magistrate of Gautam Buddha Nagar overlooked the Supreme Court’s landmark ruling from September 1? All protesters are granted permanent immunity from any legal repercussions related to their participation in CJP protests. Akshat Tripathi should not be required to post a bail bond of Rs 5 lakh.”
His statement further urged the Union Government to take immediate action and ensure that the District Magistrate receives a copy of the judgment. “We will not permit any student to be victimized,” the post concluded.
