Delhi Police used a mild lathi charge and tear gas to disperse hundreds of protesters at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi [1].
The incident occurred during the first day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament in March 2026 [2]. The clash highlights the ongoing tension between civil society groups and security forces over the right to protest near government hubs.
The demonstrators were part of the Constitutional Justice Party (CJP) and the "Sansad Chalo" march [1, 2]. The group sought parliamentary action and aimed to highlight specific political grievances [1, 2]. Reports indicate that police used batons, known as lathis, and tear gas to clear the area [2, 3].
There are conflicting accounts regarding the level of force used. The Delhi Police denied reports of violence or detentions, and said that the protest was being handled professionally [1]. However, other reports specify that a mild lathi charge was employed to move the crowds [1]. Video footage from the scene showed protesters reacting to the police action [3].
The march followed a period of heightened activism. AISA activists had previously conducted a hunger strike lasting 23 days [4]. This sequence of events suggests a coordinated effort by various groups to pressure the government as the legislative session began.
Authorities cited a lack of clarity regarding permissions for the march as a factor in the dispersal [2]. The area around Jantar Mantar is a frequent site for such demonstrations, though restrictions on gathering have tightened in recent years.
“Delhi Police used a mild lathi charge and tear gas to disperse hundreds of protesters”
The use of force during the Sansad Chalo march reflects a recurring pattern of friction between the Indian state and political activists during key legislative windows. By deploying tear gas and lathis on the first day of the Monsoon Session, security forces signaled a low tolerance for unauthorized gatherings near the capital's power center, even as official narratives attempt to minimize the perception of violence.
