Delhi govt’s CJP stir order: What it means for protesters, police and 2,800 others | Delhi News
NEW DELHI: The Delhi government’s decision to close the chapter on further adverse legal action against individuals who participated in the Cockroach Janta Party-led protests offers significant relief to protesters facing the fallout of the July 20 violence during the ‘Chalo Sansad’ march.The order means that, barring those with criminal antecedents, participants will not face any further adverse legal action by police authorities in Delhi solely for their involvement in the protests, a PTI report said.For protesters who were arrested or detained after the clashes, the order provides a pathway towards relief.As per the PTI report, the Delhi home department has directed that the process of reviewing arrests and releasing those already arrested be undertaken expeditiously.Police had earlier said that all those detained following the clashes were eventually released, but the latest order formally sets out the government’s position on further action in cases linked to the protests.The decision, however, does not amount to a blanket clean chit to everyone who participated in the agitation.The government order specifically excludes people with criminal antecedents, citing a recent Supreme Court order. This means individuals identified as having a criminal background will not automatically receive the protection extended to other protesters and may still face action in accordance with law.The distinction is significant as Delhi Police have said it identified more than 2,800 people with criminal backgrounds who participated in the July 20 march.According to police officials, facial recognition technology and high-resolution cameras installed at Jantar Mantar were used to identify such individuals. Their cases will therefore have to be dealt with separately from those of ordinary protesters covered by the government’s decision.For the wider group of protesters, the order effectively signals that participation in the CJP agitation will not, by itself, trigger further adverse police action.This comes against the backdrop of 13 FIRs registered in connection with the violence during the march from Jantar Mantar towards Parliament.The government has now said that, for those covered by its decision, the matter will be treated as closed without future proceedings on that account.For the Delhi Police, the order draws a clear line between protest participation and criminal antecedents. It does not erase the violence that occurred on July 20, when police said protesters allegedly pelted stones and damaged public property, while security personnel used tear gas and lathicharge after repeated appeals to disperse failed.Around 200 personnel and more than 65 protesters were injured, according to police, while over 15 vehicles were damaged.What the order means in 10 points
- Relief for ordinary protesters: Those who participated in the CJP protests will not face further adverse legal action by Delhi Police solely in connection with their participation.
- Arrest review ordered: The government has directed authorities to review arrests or detentions already made in connection with the protests.
- Release process expedited: Those who remain arrested or detained in these cases are to be considered for release expeditiously.
- Matter treated as closed: For individuals covered by the order, the government says the matter will be treated as closed without future proceedings on this account.
- Criminal antecedents excluded: The relief does not extend to people with criminal backgrounds, in line with the recent Supreme Court order cited by the government.
- 2,800-plus people identified: Delhi Police have said it identified more than 2,800 participants with criminal backgrounds who took part in the march.
- Facial recognition used: Police officials said facial recognition systems and high-resolution cameras installed at Jantar Mantar helped identify people with criminal backgrounds.
- 13 FIRs remain relevant: The Delhi Police registered 13 FIRs in connection with violence during the July 20 ‘Chalo Sansad’ march.
- Violence allegations remain: Police have alleged that protesters pelted stones and damaged public property, while security forces used tear gas and lathicharge to disperse the crowd.
- No blanket immunity: The order provides relief to protesters as a group but does not shield those with criminal antecedents from possible legal action.
(With agency inputs)
