Amnesty International has expressed strong condemnation against the Delhi Police for their use of tear gas and batons on protesters affiliated with the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), a youth-led movement. The activists, who converged on Jantar Mantar, were attempting to march towards the Indian Parliament, raising alarms over their right to peaceful assembly. This demonstration coincided with the commencement of the Parliament’s Monsoon Session, underscoring their call for Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation following paper leaks related to the 2026 National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET-UG), the principal entrance examination for medical schools in India.
The Delhi Police had declined to grant permission for the march, citing security concerns linked to the ongoing parliamentary session and existing prohibitory orders. As protestors attempted to breach police barriers, officers responded with tear gas and baton charges, alleging that the demonstrators were unruly, attacked police personnel, and damaged public property. However, the protestors maintained their stance of peaceful assembly and accused the police of using excessive force. Despite these clashes, the protest continues, with thousands returning to Jantar Mantar, as was reported by the JURIST, amid a strong paramilitary presence.
The controversy over NEET is particularly sensitive, given its role as the sole gateway into undergraduate medical education in India. Disruptions following the May 3 examination, which was later rescheduled to June 21 due to paper leak suspicions, have exacerbated concerns regarding the integrity of the examination process. Similar issues emerged in 2024, prompting an inquiry and limited re-examination. The CJP, which originated as a satirical online movement in May, has since burgeoned into a broader collective involving students, parents, activists, and others interested in educational reforms. Influential figures like Sonam Wangchuk have further propelled the protest, as The Hindu highlighted, reinforcing calls for transparent examination processes and support for affected families.
The confrontation puts into sharp focus India’s constitutional guarantees on peaceful assembly. Article 19(1)(b) allows such gatherings, though subject to restraints involving sovereignty and public order under Article 19(3). Additionally, Article 21 safeguards life and liberty, extending toward fair state procedures. Amnesty International, echoing these principles and international standards under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, urges authorities to both maintain order and uphold assembly rights.
As these events unfold, the call for a balanced approach in dealing with civil assembly grows stronger, reminding once more of the delicate balance between security and individual rights. This reflects a wider discourse on human rights and state accountability in India, as discussed in this BBC report. The response from authorities, and any subsequent investigations, will likely be pivotal in shaping future engagements between civic movements and the state in the world’s largest democracy.