The Rekha Gupta-led Delhi government has decided to close all cases registered against people who participated in the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)-led student protest at Jantar Mantar. In an order issued on July 30, the government said no adverse action would be taken against those involved in the protest, except individuals with a prior criminal record.
The order stated that the Delhi Police had registered 13 cases related to the protest until July 29. However, the government said it would not pursue any legal action against those associated with the agitation.
"The matter shall be treated as closed without any future proceedings on this account," the order said.
The government also assured protesters that it would expedite the review of arrests and facilitate the release of those who had already been taken into custody.
However, it clarified that the relief would not apply to individuals with criminal antecedents. In accordance with Supreme Court directives, the verification process would continue for those with a criminal background.
FIRs WITHDRAWN IN MULTIPLE STATES
The Delhi government's decision came nearly two days after the NDA government in Bihar announced that it would withdraw all cases against protesters involved in the agitation over the NEET paper leak.
The Samrat Choudhary-led government said it would not initiate any legal or retaliatory action against the protesting students. The decision followed pressure from several opposition parties in the state.
Assam also withdrew five cases registered against protesters, with the government stating that no further legal action would be taken against them.
Earlier this week, the West Bengal government withdrew a suo motu FIR filed against participants in a rally held in Kolkata's Esplanade area in support of the CJP and the nationwide student protests.
CJP HAD SET A DEADLINE
The withdrawal of FIRs in multiple states came after the CJP leadership warned it would "take necessary steps" if its demands were not met.
After reports emerged that protesters had been detained in several states, the CJP urged the Centre to honour its assurance that no punitive or legal action would be taken against peaceful demonstrators. It also demanded that all cases against protesters be withdrawn and that those detained be released by July 28.
The party further warned that it could launch a larger nationwide protest if its demands were not fulfilled.
