The Delhi Police CJP protest cases remain unresolved days after the Cockroach Janata Party called off its nationwide agitation following an agreement with the Centre. While the government accepted several demands, including the resignation of former Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, police sources say they have not yet received formal instructions to withdraw the FIRs registered during the protests. The development has sparked fresh friction, with the CJP warning that it could return to the streets if legal proceedings against demonstrators are not withdrawn immediately.
Police await government direction on FIR withdrawal
The issue of Delhi Police CJP protest cases is now awaiting administrative clearance before any legal process can begin. According to police sources, nearly 20 cases were registered in connection with the protests, including 14 linked to violence at Jantar Mantar and one related to the unauthorised use of a drone.
Officials said that once the Centre issues directions, Delhi Police will seek approval from the Lieutenant Governor to withdraw the cases. After receiving approval, prosecutors will inform the respective courts that the State no longer wishes to pursue the matter. However, the final decision on closing the Delhi Police CJP protest cases will rest with the judiciary.
Police officials clarified that complaints filed separately by journalists alleging assault during the protests would not be withdrawn.
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CJP threatens to resume agitation
The delay in resolving the Delhi Police CJP protest cases has prompted a sharp response from the CJP leadership. National spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka alleged that the understanding reached with the government included withdrawing criminal cases against protesters.
He claimed that students in Bihar and West Bengal had been detained while others in Delhi and several states continued to face surveillance and harassment despite the protest ending.
The organisation demanded the immediate withdrawal of all FIRs, release of detained students, and a written timeline confirming the government’s commitment. Ranka warned that failure to honour these assurances would leave the CJP with no option but to restart demonstrations.
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Court approval remains the final hurdle
Even if the executive decides to proceed with the withdrawal, the Delhi Police CJP protest cases cannot be closed automatically. Under Indian criminal procedure, courts must examine and approve any request to withdraw prosecution.
Legal experts say this safeguard ensures that decisions to drop criminal proceedings are subject to judicial scrutiny rather than executive discretion alone.
The issue now remains a crucial test of whether the agreement that ended the month-long protests will translate into concrete legal relief for those who participated in the demonstrations.
