Delhi protest Highlights: Centre-CJP talks end; govt seeks time till tomorrow on Dharmendra Pradhan resignation demand
The Delhi High Court on Friday refused to hear a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking an NIA investigation into the July 20 Parliament March organised by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) over the alleged NEET paper leak and related issues.
The court observed that transferring an investigation to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) is the prerogative of the Central Government, and not a decision that the court can make.
CJP spokesperson Saurav Das announced that the organisation is launching a dedicated website where protesters who were injured or allegedly assaulted by the police during the demonstration can upload photographs and evidence of their injuries.
He said that if Delhi Police refuses to register FIRs, CJP will file formal complaints against the police and move the court to seek legal action.
15 FIRs Registered: Delhi Police have registered 15 FIRs so far in connection with the Parliament March protest.
216 Suspects Identified: As per a report in Dainik Bhaskar, Special CP (Law & Order) Devesh Kumar Srivastava says police examined hundreds of CCTV and video clips using facial recognition technology, leading to the identification of 216 individuals with criminal records across 15 police station jurisdictions.
195 People Injured: According to Delhi Police, 195 people have been injured during the protest. This includes 65 students and 130 other individuals.
Thousands Still at Protest Site: Authorities said 10,000 to 12,000 protesters remain at the demonstration site, with more than 3,000 police personnel deployed to maintain law and order.
Government-CJP Meeting: The government has invited CJP spokespersons for another meeting tomorrow at 3.30 PM. CJP has warned that if the Education Minister does not resign within the next 2–3 days, it may launch another large-scale march similar to the one held on July 20.
Supreme Court Seeks Report: The Supreme Court has asked the government to submit a report on the reforms introduced since the paper leak. It has also sought details of the investigation carried out so far.
Delhi Metro Update: The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has ordered the closure of 18 metro stations, including New Delhi Metro Station, until further orders.
Fast-Track Courts Ordered: The Bombay High Court has directed the establishment of two fast-track courts in Nagpur and Aurangabad to speed up the trial of paper leak cases.
Court asks Centre to end 'Series of Errors'
SC seeks roadmap for computer-based exams
Centre seeks more time
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre, said the government is taking extra measures to address students' concerns. He requested additional time to present a comprehensive plan before the court. The court responded that the issue cannot continue unresolved.
At Jantar mantar ????
— Cockroach Janta Party (@CJP_for_India) July 24, 2026
युवाओं का शांतिपूर्ण तरीके से प्रदर्शन। pic.twitter.com/QpiSc6fJVB
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.
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
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
#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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
- With inputs from agencies
