Delhi Police is considering recommending the cancellation of passports of individuals allegedly involved in violent incidents during the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protests in Delhi, according to police sources quoted by media.
The move comes after clashes during the “Chalo Sansad” march this week, where police alleged that protesters pelted stones, damaged public property and attacked security personnel. Investigators are reportedly analysing CCTV footage, drone recordings, mobile videos and other digital evidence to identify those directly involved in the violence.
However, officials have not issued any formal notification regarding passport cancellation, and police sources have stressed that any such action would be considered only against individuals found to have participated in violent acts after due legal scrutiny, not against peaceful demonstrators.
The protests, which began over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination process and demands for systemic reforms in India’s examination system, intensified after education reform advocate Sonam Wangchuk joined the movement through an indefinite hunger strike.
His removal from the protest site by Delhi Police triggered the “Chalo Sansad” mobilisation, leading to confrontations between protesters and security forces. While police have defended their actions as necessary to maintain law and order, protest organisers and opposition leaders have accused the authorities of using excessive force and attempting to suppress democratic dissent.
Police Probe Continues
According to Delhi Police sources cited by media, investigators are examining multiple forms of evidence, including CCTV footage, drone surveillance, mobile phone recordings and social media videos, to identify people allegedly responsible for violence during the protests.
Several FIRs have reportedly been registered on charges including rioting, assault on public servants and damage to public property. Police officials have claimed that several personnel, including senior officers, sustained injuries during the clashes and alleged that protesters breached barricades while attempting to march towards Parliament.
Sources further said that authorities are exploring legal provisions under which passports of those found directly involved in violent acts could be cancelled, in addition to criminal proceedings already underway. However, the exact legal mechanism for such a move has not been publicly outlined, and no official order has yet been issued.
Officials have maintained that the proposal, if pursued, would not apply to those participating peacefully in the demonstrations. Meanwhile, protest organisers have disputed the police’s account of events, alleging that law enforcement resorted to baton charges, tear gas and excessive force against demonstrators. Some protesters also claimed pellet guns were used, an allegation categorically denied by Delhi Police.
Amid the unfolding developments, police also rejected viral social media claims suggesting that a woman protester had died during the demonstrations, calling them “false propaganda” and warning of legal action against those spreading misinformation online.
From NEET Protests To National Movement
The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) emerged amid growing public anger over alleged paper leaks and irregularities in competitive examinations, particularly the NEET examination process.
What began as an online satirical campaign gradually evolved into a nationwide youth-led movement involving students, parents, teachers and civil society groups demanding greater transparency and accountability in India’s education and recruitment systems.
Among its key demands are the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, judicial accountability for examination-related controversies, structural reforms in recruitment processes and compensation of ₹1 crore for families of students who allegedly died by suicide following examination-related distress.
The movement gained significant momentum after Sonam Wangchuk joined the protests through an indefinite hunger strike, drawing support from several opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi. Protest organisers alleged that Wangchuk was forcibly removed from the protest site by Delhi Police, while police maintained that the action was taken to preserve public order.
His detention became a rallying point for the “Chalo Sansad” march, during which clashes broke out near Parliament Street and Jantar Mantar. The movement has since expanded beyond examination reforms to raise broader concerns around unemployment, institutional accountability and democratic participation.
Delhi Police has said investigations into the violence will continue, while CJP leaders have appealed for future demonstrations to remain peaceful even as they vow to continue their campaign until their demands are addressed.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The latest developments highlight the delicate balance every democracy must maintain between ensuring public safety and protecting the fundamental right to peaceful protest. Those found responsible for violence should undoubtedly face fair legal consequences based on credible evidence and due process.
At the same time, any extraordinary measure, including the possibility of passport cancellation, must be implemented transparently, proportionately and strictly within the framework of the law, ensuring that peaceful protesters are not unfairly penalised. Equally important is addressing the concerns that brought thousands of young people onto the streets in the first place. Questions around examination integrity, student welfare and institutional accountability deserve meaningful engagement rather than prolonged confrontation.
Also read: Government Reshuffles Top Bureaucrats; New Education Secretaries Appointed Amid NEET Row
