The Central Justice Project (CJP) announced the end of its month-long agitation on Saturday, urging all protesters to withdraw peacefully after the government accepted all their demands. The decision came after a final round of negotiations between CJP leaders and senior government officials, which concluded early in the morning.
Background of the Agitation
The CJP, a coalition of civil rights groups and activists, had launched the protest demanding reforms in the criminal justice system, including faster trials, better prison conditions, and stricter accountability for police misconduct. The agitation saw participation from over 5,000 protesters across multiple states, with major rallies in Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata.
According to CJP spokesperson Ananya Sharma, "The government has agreed to implement all 12 points of our charter. We are satisfied with the outcome and call on all our supporters to return home peacefully." The government, represented by Home Minister Rajesh Verma, confirmed that a committee will be set up to monitor the implementation of the agreed-upon reforms within three months.
Key Demands Accepted
Among the key demands accepted are the establishment of fast-track courts for undertrials, mandatory body cameras for police during arrests, and an independent oversight body for prisons. The government also agreed to increase compensation for victims of custodial violence and provide legal aid to all undertrials below the poverty line.
The CJP had threatened to intensify the agitation if the demands were not met, but the last-minute deal averted further escalation. The protest had caused disruptions in several parts of the capital, with traffic jams and occasional clashes with authorities.
Reactions and Impact
The development was welcomed by opposition leaders, who had supported the CJP's cause. Congress spokesperson Priyanka Gandhi said, "This is a victory for democratic protest. The government must now ensure the reforms are implemented in letter and spirit." However, some activists expressed caution, noting that similar promises in the past had been delayed.
Meanwhile, businesses and commuters in areas affected by the protest expressed relief. "We hope the roads will be clear now. The agitation had affected our daily lives significantly," said Ramesh Kumar, a shopkeeper in central Delhi.
The CJP has also announced that it will monitor the implementation process through a public dashboard, and if the government fails to act within the stipulated timeline, it may resume the agitation.
