A fresh controversy has emerged in the national capital regarding the withdrawal of FIRs filed in connection with the July 20 Parliament march and associated violence organized by the Cockroach Janata Party at Jantar Mantar. Delhi Police has clarified that it has not yet received any official directive from the government to initiate the process of dropping cases against the demonstrators.
Current Status of Cases and Legal Procedures
According to sources, around 20 cases were registered in connection with the July 20 protest and subsequent events. Among these, 14 FIRs are related to the protest and violence, while one case involves flying a drone without prior permission. Investigations into the remaining cases are also ongoing. Police officials stated that as soon as a formal order is issued by the central government, Delhi Police will route a proposal through its prosecution branch to the Lieutenant Governor. This proposal will state that the state government no longer wishes to pursue prosecution in these matters. If the Lieutenant Governor approves the proposal, Delhi Police will inform the respective courts of its decision not to press charges further, though the final authority to grant withdrawal rests with the judiciary.
No Relief for Cases Involving Journalists
Authorities have also clarified that there is no proposal to withdraw cases concerning alleged assaults and attacks on journalists during the demonstration. Legal proceedings in these specific cases will continue as before without any changes.
Cockroach Janata Party Warns of Renewed Agitation
Frustrated by the delays in withdrawing the FIRs, the Cockroach Janata Party has launched a sharp attack against the government. Ashutosh Ranka, the national spokesperson of the party, alleged that the agreement reached between the government and the protesters is not being honored. He claimed that hundreds of students have been detained in Bihar and West Bengal, while students linked to the agitation are facing surveillance and alleged harassment in Delhi and several other states.
Demands for Releases and Written Agreements
Ranka demanded that all FIRs registered against the protesters be withdrawn immediately, arrested students be released, and no new cases be filed against any student in the future. He warned that if these conditions are not met, the Cockroach Janata Party will be forced to launch a new protest movement. He further urged the government to make public a written copy of the agreement regarding the legal cases and to announce a clear timeline for its implementation.
Background of the July 20 Demonstration
Notably, the march from Jantar Mantar toward Parliament on July 20 had turned violent, prompting police to resort to a lathi charge to control the situation. Viral videos from the event also showed allegations of protesters scuffling with and attacking police personnel. The agitation was later called off after the central government and the Cockroach Janata Party reached a consensus on multiple demands. During this period, the then Union Education Minister Dharmendra Prasad had also resigned. The Cockroach Janata Party maintains that withdrawing the FIRs filed against the protesters was a vital component of the agreement struck with the government, but no official action has been initiated in that direction so far.
