The Delhi High Court on Friday declined to entertain a public interest litigation seeking a probe by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) into the July 20 “Chalo Sansad” protest organised over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak, holding that the incident was already within the knowledge of the competent authorities.

A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia indicated that it was not inclined to entertain the PIL in its present form and suggested that the petitioner consider withdrawing it while reserving liberty to pursue other remedies available in law.

The petition, filed by Satish Kumar Aggarwal, a former Vice-President of the Akhil Bharat Hindu Mahasabha, sought transfer of the investigation into the protest to the NIA or another specialised agency. It also sought a direction that all FIRs registered in connection with the protest be taken over by the specialised agency and that those allegedly responsible for violence, vandalism, obstruction of public movement, damage to property and attempts to breach Parliament security be identified and prosecuted.

The plea alleged that the protest, which began over the NEET-UG paper leak, was transformed into a political agitation and claimed that foreign-funded organisations and anti-national elements were involved in orchestrating the demonstrations. It further referred to the participation of various political leaders and social activist Sonam Wangchuk, contending that these aspects warranted investigation by a national security agency.

At this stage, the Bench observed that, had it been in the petitioner’s place, it would have withdrawn the petition. Following the Court’s observations, the petitioner sought permission to withdraw the PIL with liberty to avail other legal remedies.

Accepting the request, the High Court dismissed the petition as withdrawn, while granting liberty to the petitioner to pursue any other remedy available in law, including making representations before the competent authorities.