The Delhi Police have not yet received any direction from the government to withdraw cases registered against individuals who participated in the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) protests on July 20, sources
said.
According to police, around 20 cases were registered in connection with the violence at Jantar Mantar and related incidents. Of these, 14 cases pertain to the protest and the ensuing violence, while one case involves the unauthorised use of a drone.
Sources indicated that once the government issues the necessary order, the Delhi Police, acting through the prosecution, will move a proposal before the Lieutenant Governor (LG) seeking permission to withdraw the cases. The communication is expected to state that the State does not intend to pursue further legal action in the matter.
Following the LG’s approval, the police will inform the concerned courts that they do not wish to continue with the prosecution. The final decision on the withdrawal of the cases, however, will rest with the courts.
Officials clarified that the cases filed by journalists alleging assault will not be withdrawn.
CJP Warns Of Fresh Protests
Meanwhile, the CJP has warned of renewed protests if cases against demonstrators are not dropped immediately.
Ashutosh Ranka, the party’s national spokesperson, accused the authorities of violating an understanding reached regarding police action against protesters. In a post on X, he claimed that hundreds of students had been arrested in Bihar and West Bengal, while several others in Delhi and other states were facing surveillance and harassment.
“We demand that all the FIRs against the protestors be immediately withdrawn, students be released and no future FIRs be filed… failing which we will be forced to sit on protest again,” Ranka said.
He also demanded that the government share a written agreement regarding legal cases and provide a timeline for its implementation.
The police resorted to lathi-charge against protesters during the July 20 protest in Delhi. In some purported videos, some protesters were seen attacking policemen as well.
The CJP ended its protests following an agreement with the government on several of its demands. Among the key developments was the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan as Union Education Minister. The party has maintained that the withdrawal of FIRs and other cases registered against protesters formed an integral part of the understanding reached with the Centre.
