CJP Nationwide Protest LIVE: Delhi HC sets up fast-track court; CJP, Centre to hold talks at Constitution Club

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has called for peaceful nationwide demonstrations today, urging people to organise protests in every district under the slogan "Every district. One day. One demand". Gatherings would be held across the country, where participants would read out the protesters' demands and express solidarity with students, parents and others who were injured in the police action in Delhi on July 20.

CJP's protest at Delhi's Jantar Mantar will continue until Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigns. Following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's announcement on setting up special courts to ensure speedy trials in paper leak cases, the Delhi High Court has constituted a specially designated fast-track court to hear cases under the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024. The Opposition and students across the country, however, reiterated their demand for Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation, saying words alone were insufficient.

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CJP on July 23 turned down the Centre's invitation for talks at Union Health Minister JP Nadda's residence or office, saying any discussion should take place only at a neutral venue. Later, the government agreed to the CJP's request for a neutral venue and selected the Constitution Club of India to host the talks.

Announcing the July 24 protest, CJP said demonstrations would be held across the country in solidarity with students, parents and others injured during the July 20 police action in Delhi. The organisation also said PM Modi's announcement on action against paper leaks did not address its demand for accountability or the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

Delhi HC constitutes fast-track court

In a significant development, the Delhi High Court appointed judicial officer Anu Grover Baliga as Special Judge to exclusively hear cases under the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024. The court directed that all pending cases under the Act be transferred to the newly constituted fast-track court at the Rouse Avenue Courts Complex with immediate effect.

Sonam Wangchuk ends 26-day fast

In a latest development, Sonam Wangchuk has ended his 26-day indefinite hunger strike after receiving assurances from the Centre. Union ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh met him at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram and conveyed the Centre's assurances. The leaders assured that parliament will discuss paper leaks and education reforms, and compensation for families of students who died by suicide following the alleged NEET paper leak is under consideration.

Over 25 public figures, including opposition leaders and educators, wrote to Sonam Wangchuk over the past few days, urging him to end his 26-day hunger strike.

In a video message released late night on Thursday, PM Modi assured students that those responsible for paper leaks would face strict action. He also reiterated the government's decision to establish fast-track courts for speedy trials in such cases. The CJP, however, reiterated that its peaceful protest at Jantar Mantar would continue until Dharmendra Pradhan resigns.

Meanwhile, security remains tight around Jantar Mantar, where restrictions, traffic diversions and internet suspension continue. Student organisations and opposition groups across several states have announced solidarity demonstrations, while the Bar Council of India has appealed to professionals to engage with students and discourage violence.

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Maharashtra also witnessed support for the CJP-led movement, with Shiv Sena (UBT) announcing a 'Tiranga Morcha'. The party said the march would be held in solidarity with students demanding Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation.

The protests also echoed in Bihar, where the Assembly was adjourned amid uproar over the previous day's student demonstrations in Patna. Check state-wise update of protest here.