No legal action against CJP protesters except those with criminal records: Delhi govt

The Delhi government on Thursday (July 30) said that police will not take any adverse legal action against individuals who participated in the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)-led protest in the national capital, but protesters with existing criminal cases against them, as well as those who engaged in violence and vandalism, will not be exempt from the withdrawal of FIRs.

In a press release, the Delhi government's Home Department clarified that the Delhi Police would not take any adverse legal action against individuals who participated in the protest at Jantar Mantar.

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"The protection, however, shall not extend to persons having criminal antecedents...." it said, citing a Supreme Court order on July 28.

What Delhi Home Minister said

Delhi Home Minister Ashish Sood said that the Government of India has already indicated that no action will be taken against student protesters who were expressing their dissent.

He added, "But this exemption will not be applied to those who already have criminal cases registered against them and those who committed violence and resorted to vandalism."

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This statement was issued to assure innocent students that they need not be scared and no cases will be registered against them, Sood stated.

13 FIRs registered

The Delhi Police registered 13 FIRs in connection with violence during the 'Chalo Sansad' march by the CJP on July 20. The police said it has also identified over 2,800 people with criminal backgrounds who participated in the protest march.

According to the police, several thousand protesters attempted to breach barricades at multiple locations in New Delhi district during the march, triggering clashes with security personnel.

Security personnel used tear gas shells and lathicharge to disperse the crowd after repeated appeals to maintain order failed, while protesters allegedly pelted stones and damaged public property. Around 200 personnel were injured, while over 65 protesters were also hurt in the violence, according to the police.

The police had said that over 15 vehicles were damaged during the protest.

Delhi Police had also registered an FIR at the Special Cell police station against some social media handles for allegedly using derogatory remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.