Leaders of the Council for Justice and Peace (CJP) met with government representatives on Saturday, July 25, 2026, amid heightened security at the Jantar Mantar protest site in New Delhi. The meeting, held at the Ministry of Home Affairs, aimed to address the ongoing agitation over judicial reforms and corruption in the judiciary.
Protest Intensifies with Over 500 Participants
The protest, which began earlier this week, has seen a surge in participation, with over 500 activists and supporters gathering at the designated area. Security forces, including Delhi Police and paramilitary personnel, were deployed in large numbers, with approximately 1,000 officers on site to prevent any untoward incidents. Barricades and metal detectors were installed at entry points, and vehicular movement in the vicinity was restricted.
CJP Leaders Demand Swift Action
During the meeting, CJP president Ashutosh Ranka presented a memorandum to the government, listing key demands including the establishment of a fast-track court for cases related to judicial corruption and the implementation of a transparent appointment process for judges. “We have been peaceful but firm in our demand for accountability. The government must act now to restore public trust in the judiciary,” Ranka said, as quoted by India TV sources.
BJP national president JP Nadda, who attended the talks on behalf of the government, assured the CJP leaders that their concerns would be taken seriously. “We are committed to addressing the genuine grievances of the people. The government is open to dialogue and will consider all reasonable demands,” Nadda stated after the meeting.
Security Tightened as a Precaution
The Delhi Police had earlier this week declared the protest site a high-security zone after intelligence inputs suggested possible attempts to disrupt the demonstration. Additional surveillance cameras and drones were deployed, and a strict no-entry policy for unauthorized vehicles was enforced. A police spokesperson said, “Our aim is to ensure the safety of all citizens while allowing peaceful protest as per the law.”
Political Reactions and Public Response
The protest has drawn attention from various political quarters. Opposition leaders criticized the government for what they called a slow response to the CJP’s demands. Congress spokesperson Pramod Tiwari said, “The government is only acting under pressure. The people want concrete action, not just assurances.”
Meanwhile, civil society groups have expressed cautious optimism over the talks. “The fact that the government is engaging with the CJP is a positive step. But the real test will be in the implementation of reforms,” said activist Sunita Sharma, who was present at the protest site.
Next Steps
The meeting concluded with an agreement to form a joint committee to study the demands and submit a report within 30 days. Both sides expressed hope for a resolution. The CJP has said it will continue the protest until concrete actions are announced, though it intends to remain within legal bounds.
As of 5 PM, the situation at Jantar Mantar remained peaceful, with participants adhering to the guidelines issued by the police. The government has urged all parties to maintain calm and cooperate with the ongoing dialogue.
