Delhi High Court Orders Preservation of CCTV Footage as CJP Protest Sparks Political and Legal Debate

Yugcharan News / 22 July 2026

The nationwide protests over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination continued to intensify on Wednesday, with thousands of students and supporters gathering at Delhi's Jantar Mantar under the banner of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP). The movement, which has rapidly transformed into one of the country's largest student-led demonstrations in recent years, witnessed significant legal developments after the Delhi High Court heard petitions alleging excessive police action during the protest march.

As the demonstrations entered another crucial day, the High Court directed authorities to preserve CCTV footage and all relevant records connected to the alleged clashes between protesters and Delhi Police. Meanwhile, political leaders from both the ruling and opposition camps exchanged sharp remarks, student organizations expanded their agitation across multiple states, and the central government indicated its willingness to hold discussions with representatives of the protesters.

Delhi High Court Begins Hearing on Police Action

One of the day's most significant developments came from the Delhi High Court, where petitions seeking an independent investigation into the alleged use of excessive force by Delhi Police were taken up for hearing.

A Bench headed by the Chief Justice issued notices to the Centre and Delhi Police while directing authorities to preserve CCTV footage, videography, deployment records, and other relevant evidence related to the incident. The matter has been scheduled for further hearing on 11 September.

The Court observed that the issue could not be treated as merely an individual grievance and remarked that the allegations appeared to concern a broader public incident. While no findings were made on the merits of the allegations, the Court considered preservation of evidence necessary before the matter proceeds further.

Separate Petition Regarding Sonam Wangchuk Dismissed

In another important order, the Delhi High Court dismissed a separate petition seeking the constitution of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) regarding the transfer of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk from the protest site to Safdarjung Hospital.

The Court noted that Wangchuk's family had already approached the judiciary on the issue and that appropriate orders had previously been passed permitting his transfer to another hospital. Since similar relief had already been granted through earlier proceedings, the fresh petition was not entertained.

Police Reject Allegations of Excessive Force

During the hearing, Delhi Police strongly opposed the petitions and defended its actions.

According to submissions made before the Court, officials argued that the gathering initially described as peaceful allegedly turned violent, resulting in injuries to police personnel. Police representatives informed the Court that videos purportedly showed protesters throwing stones and engaging in violence.

The police further argued that individuals alleging injuries could pursue remedies available under existing criminal procedure before the appropriate magistrate instead of seeking extraordinary judicial intervention through public interest petitions.

Authorities also contended that several allegations circulating on social media should be independently verified before any conclusions are drawn.

Petitioners Allege Serious Misconduct

On behalf of the petitioners, senior advocates alleged that police resorted to disproportionate force without issuing adequate warnings before taking action.

Lawyers claimed that numerous videos available in the public domain allegedly depict the use of tear gas, baton charges, and physical force against demonstrators. Some advocates also alleged that women present at the protest site were subjected to misconduct by certain personnel, allegations that are yet to be judicially determined.

Counsel appearing for the petitioners urged the Court to order an independent investigation and ensure accountability if any wrongdoing is established.

The High Court has not expressed any final opinion regarding these allegations, which remain under judicial consideration.

CJP Says Government Must Hold Talks at Neutral Venue

Even as legal proceedings continued, CJP spokesperson Saurav Das stated that the organization remained willing to engage in dialogue with the government.

However, he clarified that representatives of the movement would not attend meetings at ministers' residences or offices. According to him, discussions should either take place at Jantar Mantar or another neutral public venue near the protest site.

He stated that the movement seeks meaningful negotiations rather than symbolic meetings and urged the government to demonstrate seriousness regarding the protesters' demands.

Sonam Wangchuk's Health Remains a Major Concern

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk continued to remain at the centre of national attention.

Supporters and leaders associated with the protest appealed to him to end his ongoing hunger strike, citing concerns over his health. A public letter released by CJP thanked Wangchuk for inspiring students across the country and requested him to prioritize his well-being while assuring him that the movement would continue.

Several opposition leaders also visited the hospital where Wangchuk is undergoing treatment.

Hospital authorities reportedly stated that he remains under medical supervision and is receiving treatment with his consent.

Political Reactions Intensify

The protests triggered strong political reactions throughout the day.

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed concern over the demonstrations, stating that students should not become instruments of political agendas. He said the government remains committed to addressing concerns relating to education while cautioning against attempts to politicize student issues.

Meanwhile, several opposition leaders extended support to the protesters and demanded accountability regarding the handling of the demonstrations.

Leaders from various opposition parties visited the protest site and the hospital where Wangchuk is admitted, while others raised the matter inside Parliament.

Government Agrees to Parliamentary Discussion

The issue also reached Parliament.

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan met Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla after the government indicated its willingness to hold a discussion in the Lok Sabha regarding alleged irregularities connected to the NEET examination.

The parliamentary discussion is expected to become one of the key political debates during the ongoing session.

Metro Stations Closed Amid Security Arrangements

As thousands gathered near central Delhi, security arrangements across the national capital were significantly strengthened.

Authorities temporarily closed 16 Delhi Metro stations for security reasons, leading to inconvenience for commuters. Several passengers were required to alter travel routes as police maintained extensive barricading near sensitive areas.

Heavy deployment of security personnel was also reported around Rajiv Chowk, Central Secretariat, Mandi House, ITO and surrounding locations.

Support Continues to Grow

Support for the movement continued to expand beyond Delhi.

Reports emerged of solidarity demonstrations in several Indian states as well as overseas gatherings in cities including New York and San Jose.

Volunteers at Jantar Mantar continued arranging food, drinking water, medical assistance and other logistical support for protesters. At one stage, organizers appealed to supporters to stop sending additional food for the day, stating that sufficient supplies had already been received.

Several doctors' groups, student organizations and civil society members also voiced support for various aspects of the movement.

Allegations Surface on Social Media

Throughout the day, multiple claims and counterclaims circulated online.

Among them were allegations that certain influencers had allegedly been encouraged to publish content against the protest movement. Separately, organizers claimed that some of their social media and messaging accounts had faced restrictions.

These claims remain independently unverified, and no official confirmation had been issued at the time of writing.

Protest Demands Remain Unchanged

Organizers reiterated that their primary demands include greater transparency in examination processes, accountability regarding alleged irregularities, and broader reforms to ensure fairness for students.

They also urged participants to maintain peaceful demonstrations and avoid provocative slogans, emphasizing discipline throughout the protest.

Investigation and Political Debate Continue

With judicial proceedings now underway, Parliament preparing for debate, and discussions between the government and protest representatives still under consideration, the developments surrounding the CJP movement are expected to remain in focus over the coming weeks.

The Delhi High Court's direction to preserve CCTV footage ensures that documentary evidence relating to the incident will remain available during future proceedings. At the same time, the Court has not yet reached any conclusion regarding the competing allegations made by either the petitioners or the police.

As investigations, legal scrutiny and political discussions continue, the events unfolding in Delhi are likely to influence the national conversation surrounding examination reforms, policing of public demonstrations, and the rights of citizens to peaceful protest.