CJP Says Centre Seeks Time Till Saturday on Dharmendra Pradhan’s Resignation Demand After Second Round of Talks

The meeting comes amid the ongoing nationwide protests led by the CJP over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak and demands for broader examination reforms.

Centre seeks time on Pradhan’s resignation

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, CJP spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka said the delegation reiterated that Pradhan’s resignation remains the movement’s primary demand.

“Dharmendra Pradhan needs to resign or be removed. We discussed this in detail with the government. They have sought time till tomorrow afternoon to respond,” Ranka said.

He added that any delay in addressing the demand would only intensify the protests.

Government agrees ‘in principle’ to two demands

According to the CJP, the government has agreed in principle to two of its key demands:

• No legal action against students who participated in peaceful protests.
• Compensation for the families of NEET aspirants who allegedly died by suicide following the paper leak controversy.

The organisation said it expects a formal response on these issues during the next meeting scheduled for Saturday, July 25.

JP Nadda: Three demands, five reform proposals discussed

Union Minister JP Nadda said the meeting lasted nearly two hours and focused on three demands raised by the CJP along with five suggestions related to examination reforms.

He said the government would hold internal discussions before responding to the delegation in the next round of talks.

Sonam Wangchuk’s assurances echoed

The developments come a day after activist Sonam Wangchuk ended his 26-day hunger strike after receiving written assurances from the government that it was positive about not registering cases against peaceful protesters and would discuss examination reforms in Parliament.

The written assurance also indicated that the government was considering compensation for families of students who died by suicide in connection with the NEET paper leak controversy.

CJP warns of possible detentions

Meanwhile, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke alleged that authorities may attempt to detain or arrest protesters ahead of the weekend, when larger crowds are expected to gather.

He claimed the movement would continue to expand if police action was taken against demonstrators.

Despite the Centre announcing measures such as fast-track courts for paper leak cases and initiating dialogue with protest leaders, the CJP maintained that Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation remains a non-negotiable demand.