The deadlock between the Centre and the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) over the alleged NEET paper leak continued after a second round of discussions failed to produce a final agreement.

During a nearly two-hour meeting at the Constitution Club in New Delhi, CJP representatives presented three primary demands along with a five-point examination reform charter.

The Centre informed the delegation that it required additional time for internal consultations and scheduled another round of talks for the following afternoon.

According to CJP leaders, the government's response remains pending on their principal demand for Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation, which they described as non-negotiable.

The delegation also sought Rs 1 crore compensation for the families of NEET aspirants who died by suicide, withdrawal of FIRs and legal proceedings against protesting students, and written assurances that peaceful demonstrators would not face similar action in future.They claimed the government agreed in principle to some of these demands, except for the minister's resignation.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi renewed his criticism of the Centre, alleging that the education minister should be held accountable for the examination controversy and calling for action over the alleged use of force against protesters.The government has denied allegations that pellet guns were used during the demonstrations.

Separately, the Union Cabinet approved amendments to strengthen anti-paper leak legislation, proposing harsher penalties including longer prison terms and significantly higher fines for offenders.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court agreed to hear petitions concerning the alleged police action against student protesters on July 27, while the Chief Justice clarified that earlier reports claiming the court had refused to hear the matter were inaccurate.The protests are expected to continue until further discussions take place.