Delhi Government Grants Relief to Peaceful CJP Protesters While Criminal Cases Continue

The Delhi Government has announced that no further legal action will be taken against peaceful participants of the CJP protest held over the alleged NEET UG examination irregularities. However, it clarified that the decision does not apply to individuals with criminal backgrounds or those accused of involvement in violent incidents during the demonstration.

The announcement follows the violence that broke out during the Chalo Sansad march organized by the CJP at Jantar Mantar on July 20. Authorities alleged that sections of the crowd attacked police personnel and damaged public vehicles, leading to multiple criminal investigations.

In an official statement, the Home Department of the Delhi Government confirmed that Delhi Police had registered a total of 13 cases in connection with the protest. The government stated that peaceful demonstrators who do not have a criminal record would not face further legal proceedings related to their participation in the protest.

According to the government, the decision has been taken in line with the directions issued by the Supreme Court. It emphasized that the protection applies only to those without criminal antecedents, while individuals with previous criminal records or those allegedly involved in acts of violence will continue to face investigation under the law.

Police officials had earlier identified 2,873 individuals through CCTV footage collected from the protest site. Investigators claimed that around 1,000 of those identified were found to have criminal backgrounds, making them ineligible for the relief announced by the government.

The Delhi Government has also instructed authorities to expedite the review process for individuals who were arrested or detained in connection with the protest. Officials have been directed to complete the verification process quickly and release those who qualify under the new guidelines.

The government further stated that no additional investigations or legal proceedings will be initiated against eligible peaceful protesters once the review process is completed. The objective, according to the official statement, is to bring closure to cases involving individuals who participated in the demonstration without engaging in unlawful activities.

At the same time, investigations into alleged attacks on police personnel, damage to public property, and other criminal offences will continue. Authorities have maintained that those responsible for violence during the protest will be dealt with according to the law.

The latest decision attempts to distinguish between peaceful demonstrators exercising their constitutional rights and those accused of criminal conduct. As legal proceedings continue, the government’s move is expected to influence the ongoing debate over balancing public protest rights with law and order responsibilities.