Delhi protest LIVE Updates: Centre, CJP set for crucial talks; CJP says PM under pressure, demands Dharmendra Pradhans resignation
LIVE Updates: The Centre and CJP will hold a second round of talks today at Delhi's Constitution Club after Sonam Wangchuk ended his hunger strike. Follow the latest updates on protests, Metro station closures and government negotiations
Jul 24, 2026 12:40 PM
Latest visuals from Jantar Mantar
At Jantar mantar ????
— Cockroach Janta Party (@CJP_for_India) July 24, 2026
युवाओं का शांतिपूर्ण तरीके से प्रदर्शन। pic.twitter.com/QpiSc6fJVB
Jul 24, 2026 12:33 PM
Delhi Police cancels leave of all personnel
- Delhi Police have cancelled the leave of officials and personnel across all ranks.
- The decision was taken on Thursday amid heightened security in the national capital.
Jul 24, 2026 12:32 PM
Rahul Gandhi slams Centre
Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Friday accused the government of intimidating students for exercising their democratic rights. In a strongly worded statement, he asked, "How dare you threaten and intimidate students for exercising their democratic rights?" Rahul Gandhi warned the government that it would be held accountable in the future, saying, "Remember, when the time comes, you will have to answer for your actions."
Delhi University issues advisory
A day earlier, Delhi University issued an advisory asking students and faculty members to avoid visiting Jantar Mantar. The advisory came amid ongoing protests and heightened security in the national capital.
Jul 24, 2026 12:21 PM
How dare you threaten students for exercising their democratic rights?
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) July 24, 2026
Please note, you are the ones that will be held accountable when the time comes. https://t.co/Mx6D19SP5h
Jul 24, 2026 11:21 AM
Suspension of Internet services challenged
Delhi HC agrees to hear today a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) challenging the government’s decision to suspend Internet services in parts of central Delhi, including areas around Jantar Mantar, where students have been staging protest
Jul 24, 2026 11:06 AM
Jul 24, 2026 11:06 AM
Jul 24, 2026 11:06 AM
Jul 24, 2026 11:06 AM
Jul 24, 2026 11:05 AM
Key Highlights of PM Modi's announcement on new anti-paper leak law
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that the Centre will introduce a new, stricter anti-paper leak law during the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament.
- The proposal will first be placed before the Union Cabinet at its meeting on Friday.
- A draft Bill has already been prepared with tougher legal provisions to curb examination paper leaks.
- The proposed law includes strict punishments for those involved in paper leaks.
- It also proposes the creation of fast-track courts to ensure speedy trials in paper leak cases.
- Modi said the draft will be finalised after incorporating suggestions from Cabinet ministers.
- The government aims to introduce and pass the Bill in Parliament next week.
- Calling paper leaks a serious issue, the Prime Minister said they cause immense stress to lakhs of students and their families.
- He said authorities have already identified and arrested those responsible for recent paper leak cases.
- Modi said the government's immediate priority after the NEET-UG paper leak was to ensure students did not lose an academic year.
- The Centre successfully conducted the NEET-UG 2026 re-test for around 22 lakh students.
- The re-test results were declared on July 19.
- The Prime Minister said the government is encouraged by reports of students successfully clearing the examination.
- He added that conducting the re-test alone was not enough and the government wants to prevent future paper leaks through stronger laws and faster justice.
Jul 24, 2026 11:03 AM
Jul 24, 2026 11:03 AM
Jul 24, 2026 10:58 AM
LATEST VISUALS FROM JANTAR MANTAR
#WATCH | Delhi: Latest visuals this morning from Jantar Mantar where CJP (Cockroach Janta Party) continues its protest.
— ANI (@ANI) July 24, 2026
The CJP delegation will meet with the Union ministers today at 12.30 PM.
Activist Sonam Wangchuk has ended his 26-day hunger strike and is currently in a… pic.twitter.com/0OmgXX1rSS
Jul 24, 2026 10:57 AM
Opposition MPs to hold protest in Parliament
Opposition Members of Parliament are scheduled to stage a protest at Makar Dwar in the Parliament complex at 10:30 am on Friday, raising concerns over student-related issues.
The demonstration comes as the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) continues its protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, where it is pressing the Centre over its demands. The Opposition's protest is expected to add political pressure as talks between the government and CJP are set to take place later in the day.
Jul 24, 2026 10:56 AM
Major Bureaucratic Reshuffle: Centre replaces both Education Ministry secretaries
The Centre late on Thursday carried out a major bureaucratic reshuffle, issuing transfer and promotion orders for 17 senior officers.
The most significant changes were made in the Ministry of Education.
Naresh Pal Gangwar, a 1994-batch IAS officer of the Rajasthan cadre, has been appointed as the Secretary of the Department of Higher Education. He will replace Vineet Joshi, who has been transferred as the Secretary of the Ministry of Panchayati Raj.
In another key appointment, T.K. Anil Kumar, a 1995-batch IAS officer, has been promoted and appointed as the Secretary of the Department of School Education and Literacy.
Jul 24, 2026 10:49 AM
CJP says govt under pressure, demands Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation
The Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) has said it will continue its protest at Delhi's Jantar Mantar until Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigns. Speaking to the media, CJP spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka said the party's stand remains unchanged despite the government's outreach. "We want to make it absolutely clear that the protest at Jantar Mantar will continue until Dharmendra Pradhan steps down," Ranka said.
He also claimed that the government is facing growing public pressure. Referring to a video message released by the Prime Minister around 12:30 am, Ranka said it reflected the pressure the government is under over the issue.
Jul 24, 2026 10:48 AM
Nadda–Jitendra assigned responsibility for talks with CJP
20 July
Nadda Initiated Talks
At 6:00 AM, contact was established between the government and CJP.
At 11:45 AM, CJP representatives met JP Nadda.
CJP presented three demands, but the talks remained inconclusive.
21 July
Jitendra Singh Met Wangchuk
Opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, staged a protest outside the Prime Minister’s residence.
Jitendra Singh arrived for talks and later claimed that Rahul Gandhi had backed away from his earlier commitment.
In the evening, Jitendra Singh met Sonam Wangchuk at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram along with JP Nadda.
22 July
CJP Rejected Proposal
The government proposed holding talks at Nadda’s residence.
CJP refused to go to his residence or office.
The group demanded a meeting at Jantar Mantar or another neutral venue.
23 July
Government took fresh initiative
In the previous 24 hours, the government sent four proposals for talks.
It said discussions could be held at Nadda’s residence, office or any other agreed location.
Jitendra Singh stated that the issue should not be treated as a matter of prestige.
24 July
Government and CJP to Hold Talks
A CJP spokesperson said a meeting would be held at 12:30 PM at Delhi’s Constitution Club.
The talks will take place with Union ministers representing the government.
PTC Web Desk: The Centre and the CJP are scheduled to hold the second round of talks on Friday at 12,30 pm at Delhi's Constitution Club in an effort to resolve the ongoing protest. The meeting comes days after the first round of discussions, held on July 20 at Union Minister JP Nadda's residence, ended without any breakthrough.
Why today's meeting is important
Following the unsuccessful talks, the government said it had invited CJP representatives for discussions on four occasions, but they did not attend. The CJP, however, maintained that it was willing to negotiate but did not want the meeting to be held at a Union minister's residence. The group had requested that discussions take place at a neutral venue, leading to today's meeting at the Constitution Club.
Also Read | Sonam Wangchuk ends 26-day hunger strike after Centre's assurances, says 'Hunger Tastes Better'
Also Read | The Jantar Mantar NEET protest has a new problem: Nobody is in charge | Editorial
Sonam Wangchuk ends hunger strike
A major development came late Thursday night when activist Sonam Wangchuk ended his hunger strike after 27 days at Gurugram's Medanta Hospital. Union Ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh visited the hospital around 12.30 am, where Wangchuk ended his fast after receiving assurances from the government.
Security tightened across Central Delhi
Authorities have stepped up security arrangements in the national capital ahead of the scheduled talks and planned demonstrations.
As a precautionary measure, 17 Delhi Metro stations, including Rajiv Chowk and Lok Kalyan Marg, have been closed for passengers.
The restrictions follow overnight protests on Parliament Street, where demonstrators reportedly broke through police barricades.
Nationwide protest call by CJP
Despite Wangchuk ending his fast, the CJP has announced nationwide demonstrations for Friday, keeping the protest movement active across several cities.
The police have deployed additional personnel in sensitive areas of Delhi to maintain law and order as protesters gather.
Stay tuned for LIVE updates on Centre-CJP meeting, Delhi protests, security arrangements and all major developments throughout the day.