Delhi govt drops legal action against most CJP protestors; those with criminal antecedents still face action

The Delhi government has decided not to pursue any further legal action against individuals who participated in the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)-led 'Chalo Sansad' protest in the national capital on July 20, while making it clear that the relief will not apply to those with criminal antecedents.

In an order issued by the Home Department, the Government of NCT of Delhi said it "does not propose to take any further adverse action against the individuals involved in the protests", adding that the matter would be treated as closed without any future proceedings against such participants.

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The order further stated that no adverse legal action would be taken by any police authority in the National Capital Territory against those involved in the protests. It also directed that, where arrests or detentions had already been made, the process of reviewing the cases and releasing those arrested should be undertaken expeditiously.

However, the protection will not extend to individuals with criminal antecedents, in line with a recent Supreme Court order, the government said.

The decision comes days after Delhi Police registered 13 FIRs in connection with the violence that erupted during the CJP's 'Chalo Sansad' march from Jantar Mantar to Parliament on July 20.

Police said they have identified more than 2,800 participants with criminal backgrounds using facial recognition technology and high-resolution cameras installed at Jantar Mantar. Those individuals will continue to face legal action.

Ahead of the march, Delhi Police had deployed heavy security across New Delhi and other sensitive locations, including paramilitary personnel, barricades, anti-riot equipment and network jammers. The force had maintained that no permission had been granted for a march towards Parliament and that protesters would not be allowed to enter the high-security zone.

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According to the police, several thousand protesters attempted to breach barricades at multiple locations, leading to clashes with security personnel. Police used tear gas shells and resorted to lathicharge after repeated appeals to maintain order allegedly failed, while protesters were accused of pelting stones and damaging public property.
The violence left around 200 security personnel and more than 65 protesters injured, police said. More than 15 vehicles were also damaged during the clashes.

Delhi Police had also registered an FIR at the Special Cell police station against several social media handles for allegedly posting derogatory remarks against the prime minister in connection with the protests.

Following the violence, several protesters were detained, although senior police officers later said that all those detained had been released.

(With inputs from PTI)