Delhi Police Cancel Leaves Of All Personnel Over Law & Order Concerns Until Further Notice

New Delhi: In light of the capital's prevailing law and order situation, the Delhi Police has cancelled all routine staff leaves with immediate effect, sources reported on Friday, July 24.

Sources stated that the directive issued by police headquarters on Thursday has been forwarded to district DCPs, the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO), IGI Airport, and other top officers.

As per an communication, all routine leaves, including casual and earned leaves, have been suspended for police personnel of every rank with immediate effect, remaining in force until further notice.

According to the directive, time-off will be authorized exclusively for verified, bona fide emergencies by competent superiors. Furthermore, all Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs) are mandated to ensure rigorous compliance to maintain optimal staffing levels for protest security deployments.

Additionally, the directive prohibits staff from participating in any training programs without explicit prior consent from the Delhi Police Commissioner. Endorsed by the Commissioner, the ruling is binding across the entire force.

Capital on High Alert

The directive comes amid intense capital protests led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which is demanding examination reforms and the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over issues like the NEET paper leak.

On July 20, thousands of CJP-led protesters assembled at Jantar Mantar for a 'Sansad Chalo' march on the opening day of the Monsoon Session, pushing past heavy security. 

When crowds attempted to move toward Parliament, police used lathi-charges and tear gas to disperse them, leading to clashes that injured multiple protesters and police personnel.

Internet shutdown around Jantar Mantar

Significantly, the Delhi High Court on Friday agreed to urgently hear a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) challenging the government's decision to suspend internet services in and around Jantar Mantar amid the ongoing student protests in the national capital.

The PIL challenges the decision directing telecom service providers to suspend mobile internet services in areas surrounding Jantar Mantar, contending that the restrictions are arbitrary, disproportionate and violative of fundamental rights. The petition seeks judicial scrutiny of the internet shutdown and appropriate reliefs.

Commercial activity in Connaught Place was also curtailed on Thursday. Shops, offices and restaurants were asked to close by 6:30 PM following an advisory issued by the New Delhi Traders Association (NDTA).

Protest will persist until…

Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) representative Ashutosh Ranka on Friday stated that the ongoing protest at Jantar Mantar will persist until Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan tenders his resignation.

"There is a meeting with JP Nadda Ji at the CCI scheduled for 12:30. As far as we have been told, Jitendra Singh Ji might also be present there. Whatever is discussed will be shared with you all. We have also organised a press conference at 11:00, where we will provide more details," he told reporters.

Ranka confirmed that while the hunger strike led by Sonam has concluded following certain government assurances, the core objective of the movement remains the removal of the Minister.

Emphasising that the end of the hunger strike does not signal the end of the demonstration, Ranka reiterated the party's firm stance on ministerial accountability.