The Centre and representatives of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) held another round of talks on Friday amid the continuing protests over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak, with the government seeking more time to decide on the Opposition-backed demand for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

Following the meeting at the Constitution Club in New Delhi, CJP leaders said they remained firm on their demand for Pradhan's removal and would not dilute their stand. They added that while the government had not taken a final decision on the issue, it had sought time until Saturday to communicate its response.

The party also claimed that the Centre had agreed in principle to compensate the families of NEET aspirants who allegedly died by suicide and to withdraw criminal cases registered against students participating in the protests.

Centre, CJP Hold Fresh Round of Talks

The meeting was attended by Union Health Minister JP Nadda and Minister of State Jitendra Singh on behalf of the government. The CJP delegation included spokespersons Saurabh Das and Ashutosh Ranka, who presented the party's demands concerning examination reforms and accountability.

Addressing the media after the discussions, CJP representatives said the Centre had invited them for another meeting at 3:30 pm on Saturday, indicating that discussions were still ongoing.

According to the party, the demand for Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation remains central to the negotiations. CJP leaders warned that if no decision is taken within the next two to three days, they would launch another nationwide protest similar to the 20 July Parliament march.

Government Agrees in Principle on Key Demands

While no formal announcement was made by the Centre after the meeting, CJP leaders stated that government representatives had agreed in principle to two major humanitarian demands.

These include providing financial compensation to the families of NEET aspirants who allegedly died by suicide following the examination controversy and withdrawing legal cases registered against students who participated in demonstrations over the alleged paper leak.

The government has not yet issued an official statement confirming these claims.

Supreme Court Seeks Report on Reforms

The developments came on the same day the Supreme Court directed the Centre to submit a comprehensive report detailing the examination reforms introduced after the alleged NEET paper leak.

The apex court also sought information regarding the progress of investigations into the case and the measures being implemented to strengthen transparency and security in public examinations.

The Court has indicated that it will continue monitoring the government's efforts to establish a more robust examination system.

Security Tightened in Delhi

As protests continued in the national capital, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) announced the closure of 18 metro stations, including New Delhi Metro Station, until further notice to maintain law and order.

At Jantar Mantar, where demonstrators have been protesting for several weeks, supporters gathered despite heavy rainfall, many wearing raincoats while continuing their sit-in.

Singer Abhijeet Dipke also joined the gathering, leading participants in singing the national anthem during the protest.

Fast-Track Courts Expanded

Judicial efforts to expedite paper leak cases also gathered pace on Friday.

The Bombay High Court directed the establishment of two Fast Track Courts in Nagpur and Aurangabad to ensure quicker disposal of cases linked to the alleged NEET paper leak.

Earlier, the Delhi High Court had constituted a dedicated Fast Track Court at Rouse Avenue Court for cases registered under the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024.

These steps are part of broader efforts by the judiciary to ensure speedy trials in examination fraud cases.

Protest Continues to Gather Momentum

The ongoing agitation has intensified over the past week, with multiple demonstrations and negotiations taking place between protest leaders and the government.

On 23 July, activist Sonam Wangchuk ended his 26-day hunger strike, following discussions with Union Minister JP Nadda.

The previous days witnessed clashes between protesters and police at Jantar Mantar, allegations of lathi-charge during the proposed Parliament march, and repeated demands from CJP leaders for the government to hold direct talks at the protest site.

The controversy has also become a major political issue, with Opposition parties demanding accountability over the alleged examination irregularities and calling for systemic reforms to prevent future paper leaks.

As fresh negotiations are scheduled for Saturday afternoon, attention will remain focused on whether the Centre agrees to the demand for the Education Minister's resignation or proposes an alternative course of action. The outcome of the talks is expected to influence both the direction of the ongoing protests and the government's broader strategy on examination reforms.