Delhi Police Clash with CJP Protesters Over NEET Exam Irregularities
On July 20, 2026, the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) held a 'Sansad Chalo' march in New Delhi demanding Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation over NEET exam irregularities. Police used lathi-charge and tear gas, injuring 38 protesters and 118 officers, with 70 detained. Mobile internet was shut down. The Delhi High Court later sought police and Centre responses on alleged excessive force, while the CJI dismissed media claims of denying an urgent hearing. Activist Sonam Wangchuk continued his hunger strike.
Editorial responsibility
- No named human review is recorded for this page.
- Reports are grouped by semantic similarity and deterministic rules. Language models may assist titles, summaries, translation and cross-source analysis; the page itself is projected from evidence records.
- Current automated evidence projection
Cross-source coverage
Wire timeline
The right to protest and the limits of police power | Explained
On July 20, 2026, the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) held a 'Chalo Sansad' march at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, demanding reforms in the National Testing Agency (NTA) and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The demonstration turned violent when police used tear gas and lathi charges to disperse protesters attempting to march towards Parliament. Tear gas enveloped parts of the protest route, nearby Metro stations were temporarily closed, and many demonstrators reported losing mobile connectivity. The incident has reignited debate on how a democracy should police public protest. The article serves as an explainer on the fundamental right to protest, its reasonable restrictions, when police may intervene, and how the law regulates the use of force.
Who is Responsible for the June 20 Police Brutalities in New Delhi?
The article reports on the July 20, 2026, violent crackdown by Delhi Police and the Rapid Action Force (RAF) against student protesters in New Delhi. The protests, led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), were triggered by a medical entrance exam paper leak on May 3 and demanded the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who later stepped down on July 25. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi sent a letter to Home Minister Amit Shah, seeking accountability for the 'barbaric assault,' including the use of pellet guns, tear gas, and batons fitted with nails. Video evidence shows officers striking protesters, including women and a journalist. The Delhi Police initially denied using pellet guns, but RAF records confirm firing 55 non-electrical shells and other munitions. The article argues that since Delhi Police and RAF fall under Shah's direct jurisdiction, the ultimate responsibility lies with him, though he has remained silent.
Who is Responsible for the June 20 Police Brutalities in New Delhi?
The article reports on the July 20, 2026, violent crackdown by Delhi Police and the Rapid Action Force (RAF) against student protesters in New Delhi. The protests, led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), were triggered by a medical entrance exam paper leak on May 3 and demanded the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who later stepped down on July 25. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi sent a letter to Home Minister Amit Shah, seeking accountability for the 'barbaric assault,' including the use of pellet guns, tear gas, and batons fitted with nails. Video evidence shows plainclothes officers and a senior officer slapping a female student. The Delhi Police denied using pellet guns, but RAF records confirm firing 55 non-electrical shells and other munitions. The article argues that since Delhi Police and RAF fall under the Home Ministry, the ultimate responsibility lies with Amit Shah, who has remained silent, implying tacit endorsement of the violence.
Show 14 older updatesHide older updates
Cockroach Janta Party Plans Peaceful March in Hyderabad on July 29
The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has proposed a peaceful march in Hyderabad on July 29, 2026, to commemorate 21 students who died by suicide following the NEET paper leak controversy. The march is scheduled to start at 4:30 p.m. from People's Plaza and proceed to the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Statue, subject to permission from the Hyderabad Police. According to Telangana representative Vijay Mallangi, the event is not a victory celebration but a remembrance of the students. This will be CJP's second official protest in Hyderabad, following a June 14 demonstration attended by activist Sonam Wangchuk. The announcement comes days after the CJP ended its 36-day protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on July 25, following the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Supreme Court considers independent investigation into alleged police misconduct during Jantar Mantar student protests
The Supreme Court of India, led by Chief Justice Surya Kant, indicated on July 28, 2026, that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) may be established to probe allegations of excessive police force against students protesting the NEET paper leak. The court heard a plea from Rajya Sabha MP Manoj Kumar Jha seeking registration of FIRs. The protests, organized by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) on July 20 in New Delhi, turned violent as police used lathis, teargas, and pellet guns to disperse demonstrators near Parliament. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta argued that miscreants, not students, were responsible for attacks on 250 police personnel. The CJP called off the protest on July 25 after Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned and other demands were met.
Cockroach Janta Party protests in New Delhi over exam leaks lead to minister's resignation
Tens of thousands of young protesters from the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) took to the streets of New Delhi on July 20, 2026, clashing with police who used tear gas and batons to push them back. The 'Chalo Sansad' march demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged examination irregularities and a NEET paper leak. Following intense nationwide protests, Pradhan was forced to step down on July 25, 2026. The protests, which started the previous month, saw heavy police deployment around Jantar Mantar and Parliament. Supporters waved flags and carried copies of the Constitution, braving rains. Notable figures like actor Shabana Azmi also joined the protest. The CJP, described as a youth movement, successfully pressured the government into accepting their key demand.
Protesters March to Parliament Demanding Minister's Resignation Over Exam Leaks
On July 20, 2026, supporters of the newly-formed Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) marched to Parliament in New Delhi demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged NEET exam irregularities. Police used lathi charges to disperse the crowd, chasing protesters across the lawns of the Central Vista. The article notes that many protesters had previously voted for the ruling BJP or came from BJP-supporting families, making their sense of betrayal more acute. Their anger extended beyond paper leaks to a broader perception of government indifference and refusal to address public concerns. The protest highlights growing disillusionment among former government supporters.
Delhi Police Likely to Withdraw FIRs After 36-Day Jantar Mantar Protest Ends
Following the Cockroach Janta Party's (CJP) decision to end its 36-day protest at Jantar Mantar, Delhi Police indicated it will likely withdraw all FIRs registered during the agitation. DCP Sachin Sharma confirmed the likely withdrawal but declined to comment on allegations of excessive force during the July 20 Parliament march. Police identified at least 2,500 people via facial recognition for various offenses, with 15 FIRs including attempt to murder and rioting, plus 22 for pickpocketing. Three police personnel, including a Special Commissioner, were injured in fresh stone pelting by protesters celebrating Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation. Police used lathi charge and tear gas to disperse crowds. Separately, about 400 people were detained in South East district for unlawful assembly. Police also flagged AI-generated deepfake videos circulating on social media as a source of disinformation.
Special CP, two officers injured in stone-pelting at Jantar Mantar after Pradhan's resignation
On July 25, 2026, a protest by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi turned violent after the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. A Special Commissioner of Police, Anil Shukla, and two other officers were injured when a section of the crowd allegedly began pelting stones without provocation. Police responded with tear gas and lathi charges to disperse the crowd and restore order. The situation was brought under control, with additional forces deployed. Over 200 police personnel and 65 protesters have been injured during the ongoing protests. Delhi Police have registered 15 FIRs and are reviewing video footage to identify the attackers.
CJP Accuses Delhi Police of Siege Tactics at Jantar Mantar Protest
The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) condemned the Delhi Police on July 25, 2026, for allegedly detaining, intimidating, and preventing protesters from reaching Jantar Mantar, a designated site for democratic dissent in New Delhi. The CJP accused police of obstructing food, water, and essential supplies from reaching the protest site, calling it a 'siege.' A WhatsApp screenshot shared by CJP spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka claimed police threatened restaurants that supplied food to protesters and set up checkpoints 5 km away, where students were detained and their Aadhaar numbers recorded. The protest demands the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over examination irregularities and the NEET paper leak. The CJP reiterated its demand as 'non-negotiable' and plans a third round of talks with Union Ministers.
Supreme Court to hear petitions against alleged police excesses at CJP march
The Supreme Court of India has agreed to hear two petitions alleging police excesses during a July 20 crackdown on a student protest march organized by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) in New Delhi. The CJP, demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged NEET exam irregularities, announced it will launch a website to archive videos and photos of alleged police brutality. The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) is verifying media reports that two unarmed protesters were struck by pellets, despite Delhi Police denying the use of pellet guns. One injured protester, 19-year-old Sahil Lochab, risks losing vision in his right eye. Chief Justice of India Surya Kant criticized 'reckless' media reports suggesting the court had previously refused to list the matter, clarifying that no formal petition had been filed until recently.
CJI Dismisses Media Reports as Reckless, Says No Petition Filed on Police Action Against Protesters
On July 24, 2026, Chief Justice of India Surya Kant dismissed media reports as 'reckless' claiming he had denied an urgent hearing on a plea challenging police action against students during a Cockroach Janta Party-led protest march in New Delhi on July 20. The CJI clarified that no formal petition was filed, only a representation sent by a lawyer named Mishra. On July 22, a lawyer had sought an urgent hearing, presenting video evidence of alleged police brutality, but the CJI declined, stating the bench had no time to watch videos. The July 20 protest saw clashes between protesters and security personnel, who used lathis and tear gas to disperse crowds attempting to move towards Parliament. Protesters were demanding the resignation of Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET exam leak issue.
Lawyers Back Protesters, Urge PM to Order Probe on Police Crackdown
The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) and other Delhi lawyer groups condemned police action against student protesters in New Delhi on July 20, 2026, calling it an 'assault on constitutional values.' The SCBA adopted a resolution demanding an immediate, impartial, and time-bound inquiry into the police crackdown, noting that several students and legal professionals were injured. SCBA President Vikas Singh wrote to Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, urging a judicial inquiry into both the police violence and alleged irregularities in national examinations. Over 650 lawyers, including senior advocates, expressed solidarity with the protesters. Lawyers providing pro bono aid reported difficulties accessing detained students, with police allegedly withholding names and FIRs. The protests, organized by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), demand the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over exam irregularities and a NEET paper leak.
Delhi Protest at Jantar Mantar: Students Rally After Police Crackdown
On July 20, 2026, police in New Delhi used teargas and lathis to disperse a 'Chalo Sansad' protest march near Jantar Mantar, resulting in injuries and arrests. The protest, part of a broader movement for government accountability, gained renewed momentum after activist Sonam Wangchuk was hospitalized during a hunger strike. By July 21, students and volunteers returned to the site, chanting slogans and distributing food. Participants like Abhishek Kumar, a 19-year-old history student, and Nikhil Pal, an 18-year-old law student, described police violence and vowed to continue until demands are met. The article captures the resilience and solidarity among protesters, with volunteers providing basic amenities and support.
Delhi High Court Seeks Centre, Police Response on Alleged Excessive Force During July 20 CJP Protest March
The Delhi High Court on July 22, 2026, sought responses from the Centre and Delhi Police on two public interest litigations alleging excessive use of force against protesters during a Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)-led march to Parliament on July 20. The protest demanded the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over NEET irregularities. A bench of Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia directed authorities to preserve all relevant records, including CCTV footage and videography, according to standard operating procedures. Senior advocates for the petitioners argued that police used excessive force against women and children exercising their fundamental right to peaceful protest. Additional Solicitor General S.V. Raju countered that the pleas were based on social media posts and not maintainable. The court granted four weeks for counter affidavits and scheduled the next hearing for September 11.
118 Police Injured as Cockroach Janta Party's Sansad Chalo March Turns Violent in Delhi
Delhi Police reported that over 118 police personnel were injured and approximately 70 protesters were detained after the Cockroach Janta Party's 'Sansad Chalo' march turned violent in New Delhi. Police accused protesters of attacking security personnel and damaging public property. Despite the crackdown, protesters remained at Jantar Mantar, and activist Sonam Wangchuk announced he would continue his hunger strike. The incident highlights escalating tensions between the protest group and authorities.
Delhi High Court Refuses Urgent Hearing on PIL Alleging Police Brutality Against CJP Protesters
On July 21, 2026, the Delhi High Court refused an urgent listing of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) alleging excessive force by Delhi Police during the Cockroach Janta Party's (CJP) 'Sansad Chalo' march on July 20. The court stated, 'Don't drag the Court into all this. It will come up tomorrow.' The police crackdown involved lathi-charge and tear gas, leaving at least 38 injured treated at Lady Hardinge Medical College and 65 at Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, with fractures, tear gas swelling, and head/eye injuries. Mobile internet was shut down across Central Delhi, but visuals of the violence spread on social media. Activist Sonam Wangchuk announced he would continue his indefinite hunger strike, citing the police action as a reason to extend his fast. The protest demanded the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged NEET exam irregularities.