Latest Update: The Delhi Government announced on Thursday that no legal action will be taken against the Cockroach Janta Party protesters involved in the demonstrations over the NEET (UG) 2026 examination irregularities.

According to a statement by the police, 13 FIRs had been registered by 6:00 PM on July 29 regarding the protests.

Key Decisions by the Government

• Immediate Release: Individuals who have been arrested or detained will be released shortly.

• Exception for Criminal Records: Legal proceedings will continue only against those with a prior criminal history.

• Closure of the Matter: The government has officially declared the matter closed, assuring that no fresh actions will be initiated against the general protesters in the future.

Four States Withdraw Cases

To date, four state governments have announced the withdrawal of cases and FIRs registered against students participating in the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak protests:

1. Delhi

2. Assam

3. Maharashtra

4. Bihar (The Bihar Police previously announced the withdrawal of all cases registered up until 6:00 PM on July 26).

Flashback: Over 100 Injured During Parliament March

On July 20, the Cockroach Janta Party organized a march from Jantar Mantar to Parliament. Between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM, multiple clashes erupted between protesters and the police.

• Breach of Security: Demonstrators broke barricades and marched through Jantar Mantar, Sansad Marg, Janpath Intersection, the War Memorial, Kartavya Path, and Vijay Chowk, reaching close to Parliament.

• Police Action: After protesters attempted to breach the Parliament premises, police deployed tear gas. There were also claims that pellet guns were fired at the students.

• Escalation: Images of stone-pelting surfaced late in the evening.

Delhi Police Investigation: Criminal Elements Identified

Using a Facial Recognition System (FRS), the Delhi Police identified individuals participating in the Jantar Mantar protests. The investigation yielded alarming statistics regarding the infiltration of individuals with serious criminal backgrounds.

Out of 2,873 individuals verified, 989 were found to have prior criminal records. The breakdown of these offenses includes:

• Robbery & Dacoity: 284

• Arms Act Violations: 229

• Snatching: 135

• Murder: 101

• NDPS Act (Drugs): 67

• Attempt to Murder: 62

• Rape: 61

• Molestation of Women: 25

• Kidnapping: 19

• POCSO Act Offenses: 6

Current Security Status: The Delhi Police stated they are maintaining a strict vigil over the situation. Security arrangements have been significantly tightened as a precautionary measure to prevent any untoward incidents.

New Delhi:

Amidst the fierce protests over the NEET paper leak case and the examination system, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has resigned from his post. This major political development comes after a continuous 36-day sit-in protest at Delhi's Jantar Mantar led by the 'Cockroach Janata Party' (CJP). In the 12-year tenure since the formation of the Modi government in 2014, this is the first time a minister has been forced to resign directly due to public and student protests.

First Ministerial Resignation Due to Protest in 12 Years

In the political history since 2014, this is the first instance where a Union Minister had to step down under the pressure of a mass public movement and protests. Earlier, in 2018, the then Minister of State for External Affairs MJ Akbar resigned during the global 'Me Too' movement, but that case was related to personal sexual harassment allegations from his journalism days.

Abhijeet Dipke's Strong Message After the Resignation

Taking a dig at the government at Jantar Mantar, Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) chief Abhijeet Dipke said:

"They used to say resignations don't happen in this government, but the world bows down, you just need someone who can make it bow."

Dipke further clarified that even though the minister has resigned, their movement is not over yet. Reiterating his remaining demands, he said, "Once a cockroach enters, it doesn't leave. The families of the children who committed suicide must receive compensation of Rs 1 crore each, and strict action must be taken against the policemen." The CJP declared this success as the 'Victory of the Cockroach' on social media.

Key Points from Dharmendra Pradhan's Letter

Following his resignation, Dharmendra Pradhan shared his resignation letter on social media. In this two-page, 575-word letter, Pradhan mentioned the youth being misled in two different places, alongside other matters.

Significance of Statements by Sonam Wangchuk and Mohan Bhagwat

• Sonam Wangchuk's Reaction: In a post from the hospital, Sonam Wangchuk wrote that this is a victory for democracy—direct democracy... a victory achieved from the streets. It is a victory of peace, patience, and perseverance. He congratulated the CJP and GenZ, thanking citizens from every corner of the country for standing up.

• Mohan Bhagwat's Statement: RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat made a crucial statement at an event in Delhi on Saturday morning, saying, 'We will act arbitrarily, become the master of everyone by force—it cannot happen like this.' He had also remarked that today's new generation asks a lot of questions. Instead of giving orders, we should have a dialogue with them. We should explain the logic behind everything rather than commanding them. Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation coming right after Bhagwat's statement is being considered highly significant in political circles.

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has been staging a protest at Jantar Mantar for 20 days against the NEET paper leak. On Thursday, founder Abhijit Deepke pleaded with police personnel, clasping his hands and even touching their feet. He was seeking permission to set up a tent to shield the students on a hunger strike from the rain.

Deepke shared a video of the incident, writing, "Students on a hunger strike are getting drenched in the rain. I have asked police officials for permission to set up a tent at Jantar Mantar."

In another video, he accused the police of mistreating students who were attempting to bring in a tarpaulin sheet. Deepke wrote, "Male police personnel pushed female students."

**Wangchuk joins protest; demands Education Minister's resignation**

The CJP is demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan following allegations of irregularities in the exams and the paper leak. Social activist Sonam Wangchuk has also joined the protest.
Wangchuk has been on a hunger strike since June 28. His health deteriorated on Wednesday; according to doctors, he has lost over 7 kg in 11 days, bringing his weight down to 59.4 kg.
Rishikesh, an AISA member and former JNU student leader, was admitted to RML Hospital after his health worsened; he complained of chest pain and numbness in his limbs. His 11-day hunger strike ended with his medical treatment, though four other students from the organization remain on the fast.
CJP formed after CJI's remark calling youth 'cockroaches'

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) was launched following a remark by Chief Justice Surya Kant, who stated that some unemployed youths are like cockroaches that attack the system by becoming social media or RTI activists.
The very next day, on May 16, US-based Abhijit Deepke launched the CJP and created the party's social media accounts. On May 22, they demanded Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation; this online campaign garnered support from over 8 lakh people.
As of June 10, CJP had 2.27 crore followers on Instagram. This figure has now dropped by two lakh. Nevertheless, it remains higher than the BJP's 94 lakh and the Congress's 1.37 crore followers. CJP has 2.79 lakh followers on X.

The Maharashtra Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) paper was leaked approximately 24 hours before it was scheduled to be held on Sunday. Following the breach, the Maharashtra State Examination Council (MSEC) officially postponed the examination. New dates for the exam will be announced later.

According to the police, raids were conducted at multiple locations in the Bhiwandi area of Thane immediately after receiving information about the leak. Examination Council officials were summoned to verify the seized question papers, confirming the leak.

Police stated that several individuals have been taken into custody in connection with the case, though the exact number of detainees has not been disclosed. This crackdown occurred just a day before the exam, which over 4.28 lakh candidates were slated to take. TET is a mandatory qualification for individuals aspiring to become government teachers in Maharashtra, as well as for those already in service.

High-Tech Security Measures Failed at 1,729 Centers

Despite elaborate arrangements, the paper was successfully compromised. The massive scale of the planned security included:

• 1,729 examination centers established across the state.

• Installation of 18,000 AI-based CCTV cameras.

• Live monitoring of every center from state and district control rooms.

• Biometric and face recognition systems for candidate verification.

• Thorough checking using metal detectors.

• A strict ban on mobile phones, smartwatches, and other electronic devices.

• Mandatory presentation of identity cards like Aadhaar, PAN, Voter ID, or Driving License for entry.

Adding to a String of Major Paper Leaks

This incident follows a troubling trend. Over the past five years, the country has witnessed 10 major paper leaks, including high-profile exams like the Rajasthan REET, the UP Police Constable recruitment exam, and the recent NEET-UG in May 2026.

What is the TET Exam?

The Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) is a national-level qualifying exam that determines a candidate's eligibility to teach primary and upper-primary classes (Classes 1 to 8). The National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) made this exam mandatory in 2010. The exam is conducted at both the central level (CTET) and the state level (State TET).

Initially, the NCTE gave appointed teachers a 5-year window to qualify for the TET, which was later reduced to 4 years. When candidates challenged the NCTE notice, the Madras High Court bench ruled in June 2025 that teachers appointed before July 29, 2011, were not obligated to pass the TET to remain in service, though it remained mandatory for promotions. The issue eventually reached the Supreme Court through various state appeals.

Supreme Court Mandate (September 2, 2025): TET is Compulsory

On September 2 last year, the Supreme Court ruled that it is mandatory for teachers to pass the TET to continue in service or receive promotions. A bench comprising Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice Manmohan stated that all teachers with more than five years of service remaining would fall under this rule.

Exercising its special powers under Article 142, the Court extended the deadline for passing the TET from August 31, 2027, to August 31, 2028. Those who fail to pass the TET by this deadline will either have to resign or face compulsory retirement.

Rahul Gandhi Reacts: "Education Has Become an Extortion System"

Following the latest leak, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi strongly criticized the central and state governments.

Taking to social media, he wrote, "Another paper leaked, another exam cancelled. This time it is the Maharashtra TET exam." He further stated that the country's education and examination systems have morphed into a "system of extortion," leaving the youth feeling highly insecure. He emphasized that this is not just a paper leak, but a direct theft of the youth's future.

New Delhi / Bhilwara: In a major development ahead of the highly sensitive NEET-UG re-examination, Rajasthan Police has detained a student in Bhilwara for attempting to sell a fake NEET question paper. Alarmingly, the accused was operating despite the nationwide ban on the instant messaging platform Telegram. To bypass government restrictions, the student utilized a US-based Virtual Private Network (VPN) to run a notorious Telegram channel boldly named "Paper Mafia."

Meanwhile, the legal battle over the platform's suspension reached a conclusion as the Delhi High Court dismissed Telegram’s petition challenging the central government's temporary ban. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) had issued an order on June 16, enforcing a complete ban on Telegram until June 22, explicitly to safeguard the integrity of the NEET re-examination. With the High Court's dismissal, the restriction will remain strictly in place until the conclusion of the exam phase.

Delhi HC: Government Possesses Legal Power to Impose Ban

The single-judge bench of Justice Tejas Karia presided over the final hearing, ruling that the central government acted well within its constitutional and legal boundaries. The High Court stated, "The Government of India holds absolute authority to block public access to any intermediary under Section 69A of the Information Technology (IT) Act in the interest of national security and public order."

Furthermore, the court highlighted that a designated Review Committee had thoroughly scrutinized the government's blocking order. Justice Karia remarked that the state's intervention demonstrated careful deliberation rather than administrative haste or negligence, thereby making court interference unwarranted.

During the intense legal arguments on Thursday, the High Court had questioned the government's sweeping approach, asking how the rights of nearly 150 million Indian Telegram users could be suspended due to the misdeeds of a few unscrupulous elements. In response, government counsels strongly argued that the immediate threat of platform abuse, massive leak syndicates, and deep-web circulation of papers right before the re-exam posed an existential risk to the academic future of millions of students, necessitating an immediate digital circuit-breaker.

Indian Air Force Launches Unprecedented Security Mission

To ensure a completely foolproof examination process, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has stepped in to conduct a massive, multi-city logistics and security operation. In a span of just four days, IAF aircraft and helicopters have completed over 200 flights to transport confidential NEET exam papers to more than 20 high-security nodal locations across India.

The entire transportation mission is slated for completion by Wednesday evening. To counter cyber and physical tampering, authorities have locked the question papers inside state-of-the-art digital containers equipped with real-time GPS tracking and specialized digital locks. A central control room managed 24/7 by military and security personnel in New Delhi is live-monitoring these boxes. If even a minor, unauthorized attempt is made to breach a box, an automatic electronic alert is instantly triggered at the headquarters.

Western Railway Announces Special Trains for Aspirants

Acknowledging the heavy travel rush of students moving toward regional test centers, Western Railway has announced the operations of three dedicated NEET Special Trains. These special trains will run along primary routes connecting major cities across Gujarat and Maharashtra. To cater to student budgets, the configurations will exclusively feature comfortable Sleeper and General second-class coaches, ensuring hassle-free transit for thousands of exam candidates.