People from across the country gathered at Jantar Mantar in central Delhi on July 20 for the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) “Chalo Sansad” march, carrying placards demanding reforms in the National Testing Agency (NTA) and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Within hours, the demonstration descended into clashes. Police used tear gas and lathi charges to disperse protesters attempting to march towards Parliament. Tear gas enveloped parts of the protest route as demonstrators ran to escape the crackdown. Several nearby Metro stations were temporarily closed, and many demonstrators reported losing mobile connectivity during the march, making communication and coordination difficult.

The incident has once again brought an old question into focus: how should a democracy police public protest?

Published - July 24, 2026 08:30 am IST