Delhi Police Denies Excessive Force in CJP Protest, Cites 240 Officer Injuries to Supreme Court

The Delhi Police has told the Supreme Court that its officers used 'maximum restraint' and 'minimum required force' during a fiery protest by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) in July, revealing that over 240 police personnel sustained injuries during the clashes. This affidavit, filed on August 18, 2026, is a direct response to petitions questioning the police's actions, shifting the narrative from alleged police excesses to the violence faced by law enforcement. The protest, organized by the CJP at Jantar Mantar, began in early June over major concerns about irregularities in the NEET-UG and CBSE examinations, with demands for Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resignation. The situation escalated significantly on July 20 with a 'Chalo Sansad' march call towards Parliament, leading to barricade breaches and violence. The Delhi Police affidavit claims the demonstration was infiltrated by 'anti-social elements' and 'history-sheeters,' with thousands having prior criminal records, and specifically rejects accusations of using nail-fitted batons. This development puts the ball back in the Supreme Court's court, which had previously hinted at forming a committee to investigate police conduct during such protests. The Court's next steps will be critical in shaping the future of police accountability and the right to protest in India. The ongoing legal battle highlights the complex challenges of managing large-scale demonstrations while upholding both public order and civil liberties.