CJP protests: Delhi Govt rules out relief for violent offenders, those with criminal records

New Delhi: Delhi Home Minister Ashish Sood stated on Thursday that protesters with existing criminal cases against them, as well as those who engaged in violence and vandalism, will not be exempt from the withdrawal of FIRs registered during the recent Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest at Jantar Mantar. In a press release, the Delhi government's Home department clarified that the police would not take any adverse legal action against individuals who participated in the CJP-led protest. "The protection, however, shall not extend to persons having criminal antecedents...." it said, citing a Supreme Court order on July 28. Sood emphasised that the Government of India has already indicated that no action will be taken against student protesters who were expressing their dissent. "But this exemption will not be applied to those who already have criminal cases registered against them and those who committed violence and resorted to vandalism," he added. This statement was issued to assure innocent students that they need not be scared and no cases will be registered against them, Sood stated. The Delhi Police registered 13 FIRs in connection with violence during the 'Chalo Sansad' march by the CJP on July 20. The police said it has also identified over 2,800 people with criminal backgrounds who participated in the protest march.