Govt announces fast-track courts on paper leaks as security tightened around Jantar Mantar protest

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday announced that the Centre will set up fast-track courts to ensure "swift and stringent punishment" for those involved in paper leak cases, even as security was intensified across central Delhi ahead of the Cockroach Janta Party's (CJP) protest at Jantar Mantar.

"Nothing is more important than the welfare and future of our youth! We have decided to set up fast-track courts to ensure swift and stringent punishment for those involved in paper leaks. Have directed the concerned authorities and officials to take all necessary steps in this regard. This continues our series of steps for safeguarding the interests of students," Modi wrote on X.

"Those who try to harm the future of our youth will not be spared," he added.

The announcement came as authorities imposed multiple restrictions around the protest venue. According to the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), 17 Metro stations leading to the protest site will remain closed on Friday from 7.30 am until further orders, while interchange facilities remained available at Rajiv Chowk, Mandi House and Central Secretariat.

Authorities also suspended internet services in and around Jantar Mantar, Sansad Marg and parts of central Delhi. According to The Hindu, the Ministry of Home Affairs has issued three separate orders since July 22 under the Telecommunications (Temporary Suspension of Services) Rules, 2024, extending the shutdown till midnight. Internet services had first been suspended briefly on July 22 after clashes between police and protesters at Sansad Marg, with protesters continuing to report network disruptions while entering the protest area.

The University of Delhi also issued an advisory on X asking students and faculty to stay away from the protest site. "Dear students and faculty, your safety matters to us. Please note that any unlawful assemblies or demonstrations at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi, which are strictly regulated as per the directives of the Hon'ble Supreme Court of India, may invite legal action. Such activities can also pose serious risks to students' personal safety and significantly impact their academic progress and professional opportunities. Accordingly, all students are urged to stay away from Jantar Mantar and to prioritise their safety and compliance with the law. Furthermore, you are advised to exercise caution as a significant amount of fake and misleading content is being created and circulated to fuel the situation," the university said.

A report in The Hindu also said Delhi Police personnel were stopping autorickshaws near Nizamuddin to prevent people, particularly those appearing to be students or young protesters, from reaching Jantar Mantar.

The Cockroach Janta Party alleged that students were being picked up from the streets while travelling to or from the protest site.

"We're receiving multiple reports of students being randomly picked up from the streets while heading to or returning from Jantar Mantar and being detained. We urge Delhi Police to stop these arbitrary detentions and the harassment of young students. Joining peaceful protest movement is not a crime," the party said.

CJP founding president Abhijeet Dipke renewed his demand for Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation.

"Modi ji, I once again request you to accept Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation. Otherwise, the issue will not remain limited to Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation alone; it will come for your resignation also... An incompetent and failed minister cannot be more important than the crores of students in this country. If a failed and incompetent minister is being considered more important than these crores of students, then remember: no one in India will vote for you in the elections," Dipke wrote.

Meanwhile, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi said MPs and leaders of the INDIA alliance were heading peacefully to Gandhi Smriti.

"Right now, MPs and leaders of the INDIA alliance are peacefully heading to Gandhi Smriti on Tees January Marg. We go to remember the students we lost - the children driven to take their own lives after the NEET paper leak. And we go to stand with the students who lie injured today - beaten for peacefully demanding justice and accountability."

In a separate post, Gandhi said, "India's students are not alone. The entire Opposition stands with them and their demands."

Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra alleged that the government was attempting to suppress information related to the protests.

"Internet blackout in Central Delhi. Government desperately bullying content platforms to delete photos/videos/evidence of police brutality on protestors as well as stop any coverage of protests. All techies- pls help - pls find ways around this & share methods," she wrote.

Social activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has appealed for non-violence during the agitation, urged protesters to remain peaceful.

"While at Jantar Mantar the protests remain peaceful I'm pained to learn that elsewhere some antisocial elements are taking advantage of the peaceful protests to provoke violence. No matter what the other side does our response must only be flowers. Please keep this tradition at all costs," Wangchuk said.

Tags : Protest, Narendra Modi, Jantar Mantar, Cockroach Janta Party, Rahul Gandhi, Sonam Wangchuk