Delhi eases NEET protest cases
The move follows SC directions after police action and arrests during the July 20 protest march
The Delhi Police will not take any adverse legal action against those who participated in the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)-led protest in the national Capital. However, individuals with a criminal background will have to face the due course of law.
According to an order issued by the Delhi Government’s home department, with regard to arrests or detentions, if already made, the process for reviewing the arrests and releasing the arrested persons will be undertaken expeditiously. “Government of NCT of Delhi does not propose to take any further adverse action against the individuals involved in the protests, and the matter shall be treated as closed without any future proceedings on this account,” the home department order read.
As hundreds gathered across the Capital on July 20 protesting the NEET paper leak, the Delhi police used tear gas, pellet guns and batons to disperse the crowds. The Delhi Police has registered 13 FIRs in connection with violence during the march to the Parliament on July 20. The police also claims to have identified more than 2,800 people with criminal background who participated in the protest.
The decision by the Delhi Government came two days after NDA Governments in Bihar, Assam and West Bengal announced to drop all the cases against protestors who took part in the agitation over the NEET paper leak row.
Earlier this week, the Supreme Court had directed authorities that no coercive action be taken against protesters involved in the recent youth-led agitation led by the CJP at Jantar Mantar and various other States. During a hearing of pleas related to the CJP protest, a bench of Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana ordered the immediate release of minors detained by police across different States.
According to the Delhi Police, several protesters attempted to breach barricades at multiple locations in New Delhi district during the march, triggering clashes with security personnel. While over 65 protesters were hurt in the violence, Delhi police claims, around 200 of its personnel were injured and that over 15 vehicles were damaged during the protest.
The Delhi Police had also registered FIR at the Special Cell police station against social media handles for allegedly using derogatory remarks against the prime minister. Police officials said that they have identified such people using a facial recognition system (FRS) high resolution camera installed at Jantar Mantar. Following the clashes, Delhi Police detained several protesters. Senior officers later clarified that all the detained were released.
