Jantar Mantar Standoff: Heavy Security Imposed as Activists Call for March to Parliament
Heavy security forces and multi-layered police barricades were deployed around Jantar Mantar and central Delhi on Monday morning, as hundreds of protesters gathered for the Cockroach Janta Party 's (CJP) planned 'Chalo Sansad' (March to Parliament) rally. The demonstration, called to highlight systemic issues surrounding competitive examinations and alleged paper leaks, coincides with the commencement of Parliament's Monsoon Session.
Senior police officials confirmed that no official permission had been granted for any march towards the parliamentary complex. To prevent unauthorized movement towards the high-security district, law enforcement agencies erected multi-tier iron barricades, installed CCTV monitoring cameras, and set up temporary pickets at major entry points such as Tolstoy Marg and Connaught Place.
In addition to road restrictions, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) temporarily restricted access to several prominent metro stations in the capital, including Rajiv Chowk, Patel Chowk, Central Secretariat, Janpath, and Seva Teerth, citing public safety concerns.
The agitation gained significant attention after renowned climate and education activist Sonam Wangchuk was forcibly moved to Safdarjung Hospital by police officers on the 21st day of his fast. Speaking through messages conveyed by his wife, Gitanjali J. Angmo, Mr Wangchuk called upon citizens to peacefully demand systemic transparency, describing the movement as a crucial step for educational reforms in the country. He noted that he would consider ending his fast if government representatives or parliamentarians visited him and assured a formal debate on the examination crisis during the ongoing legislative session.
Meanwhile, Ms Angmo moved the Delhi High Court on Monday, challenging earlier legal decisions that restricted her husband's transfer to a private medical facility of his choice.
The protest site at Jantar Mantar saw visitors from various walks of life throughout the day, including prominent film actors such as Prakash Raj and Shabana Azmi, alongside representatives from several civil society organisations and student groups who voiced solidarity with the fast-keepers.
Despite the heavy police presence, CJP organizers instructed volunteers and participants to remain disciplined, avoid confrontations with security personnel, and conduct all demonstrations in a peaceful manner. Public vigil at Jantar Mantar remains ongoing as police maintain round-the-clock surveillance across central Delhi.
Strict Security and Transport Restrictions
Delhi Police have tightened security measures across the New Delhi district, enforcing prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). The law strictly prohibits public gatherings of four or more individuals, unauthorised processions, and political rallies near key government establishments, including Parliament House and India Gate.Senior police officials confirmed that no official permission had been granted for any march towards the parliamentary complex. To prevent unauthorized movement towards the high-security district, law enforcement agencies erected multi-tier iron barricades, installed CCTV monitoring cameras, and set up temporary pickets at major entry points such as Tolstoy Marg and Connaught Place.
In addition to road restrictions, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) temporarily restricted access to several prominent metro stations in the capital, including Rajiv Chowk, Patel Chowk, Central Secretariat, Janpath, and Seva Teerth, citing public safety concerns.
Hunger Strikes and High-Profile Support
The march comes amidst escalating tension following a series of hunger strikes at the Jantar Mantar protest site. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke entered the third day of his indefinite hunger strike, demanding accountability and structural reforms in the national education system following controversy over the NEET-UG examination.You may also like
- Shri Rahul Himalian Assumes Additional Charge as Chairman & Managing Director, IRCTC
- 'Hospitals are institutions of healing, not detention': Safdarjung, AIIMS doctors write to President over Wangchuk
- Delhi HC proposes shifting Sonam Wangchuk from Safdarjung to Medanta
- Asaram's interim bail plea: SC directs AIIMS to form board
- Shiv Sena (UBT) moves SC over merger of six MPs
The agitation gained significant attention after renowned climate and education activist Sonam Wangchuk was forcibly moved to Safdarjung Hospital by police officers on the 21st day of his fast. Speaking through messages conveyed by his wife, Gitanjali J. Angmo, Mr Wangchuk called upon citizens to peacefully demand systemic transparency, describing the movement as a crucial step for educational reforms in the country. He noted that he would consider ending his fast if government representatives or parliamentarians visited him and assured a formal debate on the examination crisis during the ongoing legislative session.
Meanwhile, Ms Angmo moved the Delhi High Court on Monday, challenging earlier legal decisions that restricted her husband's transfer to a private medical facility of his choice.
The protest site at Jantar Mantar saw visitors from various walks of life throughout the day, including prominent film actors such as Prakash Raj and Shabana Azmi, alongside representatives from several civil society organisations and student groups who voiced solidarity with the fast-keepers.
Police Advisory and Call for Calm
The Delhi Police issued a formal public statement urging citizens and student groups to respect law and order and refrain from participating in unapproved assemblies. Authorities warned that any attempt to breach security cordons or march into restricted zones would result in legal action under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).Despite the heavy police presence, CJP organizers instructed volunteers and participants to remain disciplined, avoid confrontations with security personnel, and conduct all demonstrations in a peaceful manner. Public vigil at Jantar Mantar remains ongoing as police maintain round-the-clock surveillance across central Delhi.
Loving Newspoint? Download the app now
