The Delhi government, through an order from its home department, has directed the Delhi Police not to pursue legal action against individuals who participated in a protest led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) in the national capital. However, this reprieve will not apply to those with existing criminal backgrounds.
Information was available with The Chenab Times indicating that the home department’s order specifies that for any arrests or detentions made in connection with the protest, a review process will be initiated promptly, leading to the potential release of arrested individuals.
The order explicitly states, “Government of NCT of Delhi does not propose to take any further adverse action against the individuals involved in the protests, and the matter shall be treated as closed without any future proceedings on this account.” This directive ensures that no adverse legal action will be taken by any police authority within the National Capital Territory of Delhi against those who were involved in these demonstrations.
This decision follows the ‘Chalo Sansad’ march organised by the CJP on July 20, during which the Delhi Police registered 13 First Information Reports (FIRs) related to instances of violence. The order clarifies that the protection against adverse legal action is contingent upon an individual’s clean record, adhering to a recent directive from the Supreme Court.
The Supreme Court has previously mandated that authorities must differentiate between peaceful protesters and those who may have criminal antecedents or engage in disruptive behaviour. This current order from the Delhi government appears to be an implementation of such guidelines, seeking to distinguish between genuine political expression and potential criminal elements within protest gatherings.
The protest in question, led by the CJP, was part of a broader political demonstration that aimed to draw attention to specific issues. While the government’s decision signals an intent to de-escalate tensions and close the chapter on the specific protest-related charges for most participants, the inclusion of the caveat regarding criminal antecedents underscores a commitment to maintaining law and order and addressing unlawful activities separately.
The home department’s communication is expected to be disseminated to all relevant police units within Delhi to ensure strict compliance. This move by the Delhi government is seen by observers as an attempt to streamline administrative processes and resolve pending cases related to the protest while upholding legal standards for individuals with prior criminal records. The implications of this order will be closely watched, particularly concerning the review of existing FIRs and the procedures for releasing individuals who may have been detained.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
