New Delhi | 09 Sep 2026
The Supreme Court on Wednesday questioned a Greater Noida executive magistrate’s decision to issue a ₹5 lakh peace-bond notice to Gautam Buddha University law student Akshat Tripathi, despite an earlier order protecting students from action over Cockroach Janta Party protests.
Supreme Court questions notice to Akshat Tripathi
Chief Justice of India Surya Kant raised the matter after a lawyer informed the court that Tripathi, a second-year student, had received the notice following allegations that he encouraged other students to participate in a proposed CJP demonstration.
“We are surprised; how did the magistrate dare to issue a notice when we have already annulled, and we have directed that on already registered FIRs, no action will be taken.”
— Justice Surya Kant, Chief Justice of India
The bench, also comprising Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana, was told that the notice had subsequently been withdrawn. The Chief Justice directed the lawyer to place the relevant facts on record and said an explanation would be sought from the district administration.
Notice sought ₹5 lakh personal bond and two sureties
The notice, dated 4 September, called upon Tripathi to explain why he should not be required to execute a personal bond of ₹5 lakh, along with two sureties of the same amount, to maintain peace for six months.
Proceedings were initiated under Sections 126 and 135 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita. A police report alleged that Tripathi was spreading misleading and anti-government statements and provoking students in a manner that could disturb public peace. These claims remain allegations and were denied by Tripathi.
Tripathi said he had not visited the university for three months and was working at the Allahabad High Court during July. He questioned how he could have instigated students on campus when classes had shifted online because of maintenance work.
Notice withdrawn after police review
Police said the order was revoked a day after it was issued following an examination of the allegations. Tripathi has nevertheless challenged the notice before the Supreme Court, arguing that its issuance violated the court’s 1 September ruling.
The Gautam Buddh Nagar administration separately said neither the district magistrate nor the district administration had issued such an order. Court proceedings and the student’s petition, however, attributed the notice to Executive Magistrate-III in the Greater Noida Police Commissionerate.
Earlier order protected CJP student protesters
On 1 September, the Supreme Court quashed FIRs registered against students who participated in CJP demonstrations held from 20 to 25 July, subject to an exception concerning people with criminal antecedents. The court had also directed that no penal action be taken against protected student protesters.
The Supreme Court has not yet recorded a finding of contempt against any official. Further action will depend on the documents placed before the bench and the explanation sought from the authorities.
