New Delhi: After the Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke filed a petition challenging the blocking of its social media accounts, the Delhi High Court on Friday, May 29, issued notices to the Union government and social media platform X.
The satirical digital outfit’s X handle was withheld in India on May 21 following directions from the Centre and inputs from the Intelligence Bureau that raised “national security concerns.” The outfit had swiftly taken over the internet, turning into a viral online phenomenon with over 22 million followers on Instagram.
Even after its X handle was taken down, it immediately launched another account, “Cockroach is Back,” with the tagline “Cockroaches Don’t Die.”
However, its X handle was not the only social media account that faced setbacks. According to Dipke, his X account and the CJP’s official Instagram page were hacked and the outfit’s backup Instagram account was taken down as well. Within two days of its X handle being withheld, its website was also shut down.
Following the digital crackdown, the CJP founder lashed out at the Centre, calling the Narendra Modi-led government “dictatorial.”
The satirical outfit was born following a controversy over Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant using the terms “parasites” and “cockroaches” while describing the unemployed youth of the country. The CJI later clarified that he was misquoted and his remarks were directed specifically at individuals entering the legal profession through “fake and bogus degrees.”