The Delhi Police have not yet received government instructions to withdraw criminal cases against people who took part in the Cockroach Janata Party’s (CJP) July 20 “Sansad Chalo” march, a News18 report said. The delay comes days after the CJP called off its nationwide agitation following an understanding with the Centre.
Around 20 cases were registered in connection with the violence at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar and related incidents, the report said. Fourteen of those cases relate directly to the protests and the clashes that followed, while one pertains to the alleged unauthorised use of a drone; the remainder involve other linked incidents.
The July 20 march turned violent, with protesters accusing police of using excessive force, including lathi-charge. Videos circulating on social media also appeared to show some protesters attacking police personnel, and several officers were reported injured during the clashes.
Police sources told News18 that the formal process to withdraw the cases can begin only after the government issues written instructions. Once received, the Delhi Police prosecution branch would move a proposal to the Lieutenant Governor seeking approval to discontinue the prosecutions. If the Lieutenant Governor approves, the police would notify the courts that they do not intend to pursue the cases; however, the courts would have the final say on whether FIRs and criminal charges are struck off or withdrawn.
Officials also clarified that cases filed by journalists alleging assault during the protests will not be withdrawn.
The CJP has warned of fresh protests if the cases against demonstrators are not withdrawn immediately. Party national spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka accused authorities of reneging on the understanding reached after the protests. In a post on X dated July 27, 2026, Ranka claimed hundreds of students had been arrested in Bihar and West Bengal and that many others in Delhi and other states were being surveilled or harassed.
“We demand that all the FIRs against the protestors be immediately withdrawn, students be released and no future FIRs be filed… failing which we will be forced to sit on protest again,” Ranka said, also demanding that the government make public a written agreement and provide a clear timetable for implementation.
The CJP had ended its nationwide protests after securing an understanding with the Centre; the talks were followed by the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The party says withdrawal of FIRs and other criminal cases was a key element of that understanding. With no formal government direction yet, the matter has re-emerged as a flashpoint and could trigger renewed demonstrations if the process is delayed further.
Original Source: https://www.firstpost.com/india/cjp-threatens-fresh-protests-as-delhi-police-await-nod-to-withdraw-july-20-protest-cases-14034249.html
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Publish Date: 2026-07-27 18:32:00
