File photo: CJP’s ‘Chalo Sansad’ march on July 20 (Picture credit: ANI)
NEW DELHI: The Delhi high court on Friday declined to entertain a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking an NIA or CBI probe into the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)-led ‘Chalo Sansad’ march held on July 20 over the NEET paper leak, observing that the incident was already within the knowledge of the authorities.The court said the authorities were competent to take action, if required, in accordance with the law. It then permitted the petitioner to withdraw the plea, as per news agency PTI.A bench of the Delhi high court observed that the July 20 incident was already known to the concerned authorities and they would act if necessary.Following the observation, the petitioner sought permission to withdraw the PIL, which the court allowed.
PIL sought NIA or CBI investigation
The petition had sought registration of an FIR and an investigation by a specialised agency such as the National Investigation Agency (NIA) or the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into the July 20 protest march to Parliament.The petitioner had alleged that the participation of political leaders, activists and the purported involvement of foreign-funded organisations raised questions about the nature and objectives of the protest. The plea also claimed that the demonstration caused obstruction to public movement, damage to property, attacks on journalists, attempts to breach security arrangements near Parliament and injuries to police personnel.The PIL had argued that these allegations warranted a comprehensive investigation to determine whether any external elements were involved in activities prejudicial to public order, national security or the sovereignty and integrity of India.Earlier this week, the Delhi high court had separately asked the Centre and Delhi Police to respond to petitions alleging excessive use of force against protesters during the July 20 march and directed authorities to preserve CCTV footage and other records related to the police action.
CJP in talks with Centre over demands
The court’s decision comes as the Centre continues talks with the Cockroach Janta Party, which has been spearheading nationwide protests over alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG examination.Earlier on Friday, CJP representatives held a nearly two-hour meeting with Union ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh. After the meeting, the outfit said its demand for Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation remained “non-negotiable”.The CJP also demanded Rs 1 crore compensation for the families of students who died by suicide following the cancellation of the NEET examination and sought withdrawal of FIRs lodged against protesters.The government said discussions would continue, with another round of talks scheduled for Saturday.Union health minister JP Nadda said the CJP delegation had presented three principal demands along with five suggestions for examination reforms, and the government would respond after internal discussions.Also said the CJP agreed to engage in dialogue after receiving assurances that no legal action would be taken against peaceful protesters and that compensation issues would be addressed.The latest developments come amid the ongoing political and legal fallout over the NEET paper leak, which has triggered protests, parliamentary disruptions and demands for systemic reforms in the country’s examination process.
