PTC Web Desk: The Delhi government on Thursday announced that it will not pursue any further adverse legal action against people who participated in protests over the alleged irregularities in the NEET (UG) examination.

However, the relief will not apply to those who have criminal antecedents. The decision was announced through a statement issued by the Home Department of the Delhi government.

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According to the government, the Delhi Police had registered 13 cases in connection with the NEET protest demonstrations held across the national capital.

The statement said police authorities in Delhi would not initiate any further adverse legal action against those who participated in the protests. However, individuals with criminal records will remain outside the scope of this relief, in accordance with the directions referred to in the order of the Supreme Court.

Review of arrested protesters to be fast-tracked

The government also directed authorities to expedite the review of cases where protesters had already been arrested or detained.

It stated that no further proceedings would be initiated against eligible protesters and that the matter would be treated as closed. The order was issued with the approval of the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi.

Protests began after NEET (UG) exam row

The protests were launched after the NEET (UG) examination was scrapped following allegations of large-scale irregularities. Led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), demonstrators demanded major reforms in the examination system and sought the resignation of then Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

The movement gained nationwide attention after activist Sonam Wangchuk joined the protest at Delhi's Jantar Mantar with an indefinite hunger strike.

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On July 20, thousands of protesters attempted to march towards Parliament during the CJP's "Chalo Sansad" campaign. Delhi Police stopped the march, after which clashes broke out between protesters and security personnel. Police used lathi-charge, tear gas and pellet guns to disperse the crowd, maintaining that the gathering was unlawful.

Authorities later identified 2,873 people through CCTV footage who were allegedly involved in attacks on police personnel and damage to public property during the march.

Police say 1,000 identified protesters have criminal records

Earlier this week, Delhi Police officials said that out of the 2,873 people identified through CCTV footage, 989 allegedly had criminal antecedents.

According to the police, some of those identified had earlier been booked in serious offences, including murder, robbery, dacoity, kidnapping, sexual assault, Arms Act and NDPS-related cases. Officials alleged that several habitual offenders were involved in attacking police personnel and vandalising vehicles during the protest.