New Delhi : The Delhi Government has announced that no legal action will be pursued against ordinary protesters of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) who participated in demonstrations at Jantar Mantar over alleged irregularities in the NEET (UG) examination. The decision, however, excludes individuals accused of violence and those with prior criminal records or history-sheet status.
The clarification was issued by the Home Department of the Delhi Government on Thursday through an official order, following recent directions from the Supreme Court. The move comes after the apex court, in its July 28 judgment in the Shailendra Mani Tripathi vs Union of India and Others case, reaffirmed that the right to hold peaceful protests is protected under law and observed that excessive police action against peaceful demonstrators cannot be justified.
Following a review of the matter in light of the Supreme Court’s observations, the Delhi Government decided not to pursue further legal proceedings against eligible protesters.
13 FIRs Reviewed
According to the Home Department, the Delhi Police had registered 13 FIRs in connection with protests over the alleged NEET (UG) examination irregularities. After examining the cases, the government approved the following key decisions:
- No Adverse Legal Action: Peaceful protesters will not face further legal action by the Delhi Police. However, the exemption will not apply to individuals involved in violent acts or those with previous criminal records, in line with the Supreme Court’s directions.
- Review of Arrested Protesters: Cases involving individuals who have already been arrested or detained during the protests will be reviewed on priority, and the process for their release will be initiated expeditiously wherever applicable.
- Closure of the Matter: The Delhi Government stated that it has no intention of taking any further adverse action against eligible protesters and considers the matter closed.
Official Approval
The order was issued by Santosh D. Vaidya, Principal Secretary of the Delhi Government’s Home Department, and received formal approval from Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu. Copies of the order have been forwarded to the Chief Secretary, the Delhi Police Commissioner, and the Directorate of Prosecution for implementation.
CJP Had Warned of Fresh Agitation
Earlier this week, the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) warned that it would launch a fresh nationwide agitation if the government failed to withdraw FIRs against protesters and ensure that no punitive action was taken against those who participated in the demonstrations.
The latest decision is expected to ease tensions surrounding the NEET protest cases while reinforcing the constitutional right to peaceful protest, as emphasized by the Supreme Court.
