Delhi Police used lathi charges to dismantle tents and clear a protest site at Jantar Mantar occupied by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP).
The action marks a significant escalation in the tension between the CJP and city authorities during the Monsoon Session of Parliament. The clash highlights the ongoing struggle over the right to assemble in New Delhi's high-security zones.
Police began clearing the site after officials said the protest had not received the necessary permission from the Delhi Police [1]. Because the gathering was deemed illegal, authorities enforced prohibitory orders to disperse the crowd [2].
Thousands of protesters had gathered at the site [3], [4]. Reports said that police officers used lathis to disperse the crowd and remove the temporary structures that had been erected by the CJP [2], [5].
There are conflicting reports regarding the effectiveness of the clearance. Some reports said that police began the process of clearing the site [6], while other accounts said that protesters regrouped and continued their sit-in despite repeated lathi charges [7].
Additional contradictions exist regarding the overnight status of the protest. Some sources said that leaders continued an overnight sit-in at Jantar Mantar following the march [3]. Other reports said the encampment was removed as police cleared the area [6].
This operation took place as part of the broader "Chalo Sansad" protest movement, which sought to bring the party's grievances to the doorstep of the legislature [3], [8].
“Police used lathis to disperse the crowd and remove the temporary structures”
The forced removal of the CJP encampment reflects the Delhi administration's strict adherence to permit requirements during sensitive legislative sessions. By designating the protest as illegal, the police have prioritized the security of the Monsoon Session over the protesters' claims to public space, likely signaling a low tolerance for unauthorized demonstrations near Parliament in 2026.
