After Delhi Metro closed metro stations in view of the security, the metro stations are now open.
The protest march has spread to other cities as well, with students taking to the streets in Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, Jabalpur, and Patna.
Meanwhile, the Centre has significantly recalibrated its response to the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP)-led agitation over the alleged NEET paper leak, moving from weeks of dismissive remarks and limited engagement to sustained negotiations, policy concessions and legislative action. Over the past 48 hours, the government has announced fast-track courts, cleared a proposed anti-paper leak law, initiated talks with protesters, assured leniency towards peaceful demonstrators and ordered action against National Testing Agency (NTA) officials.
- Fast-track courts announced: Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the setting up of fast-track courts to ensure speedy trials and strict punishment in paper leak cases, calling the future of India’s youth the government’s top priority.
- Tough anti-paper leak law cleared: The Union Cabinet approved a proposed Bill that seeks stringent legal action against those involved in examination paper leaks. The legislation is set to be introduced in Parliament next week.
- Sonam Wangchuk ends hunger strike: Activist Sonam Wangchuk ended his prolonged fast after marathon talks with Union Ministers J P Nadda and Jitendra Singh.
- No cases against peaceful protesters: The Centre said it is positively considering not registering cases against those who protested peacefully at Jantar Mantar and participated in the July 20 Parliament march.
- Compensation for bereaved families under consideration: The government also said it is examining compensation for families of students who allegedly died by suicide following the NEET paper leak controversy.
- Action against NTA officials: Officials said the National Testing Agency has terminated 47 officials and is preparing legal and criminal action against several others over alleged lapses.
Get real-time updates on developments from Jantar Mantar, Sonam Wangchuk’s health update, police deployment, traffic diversions, political reactions, and all the key events unfolding across the national capital.