Police used lathicharge and tear gas to disperse protesters supporting the Committee for Judicial Accountability at New Delhi's Jantar Mantar on Wednesday [1].
The clash marks an escalation in tensions between activists and law enforcement following a prior crackdown on a march toward Sansad, the Indian Parliament [1].
Demonstrators gathered at the site to demand accountability for police actions, and the immediate release of detained activists [2]. The crowd included high-profile figures such as TMC MP Mahua Moitra, actors Prakash Raj and Shabana Azmi, and leaders from the Aam Aadmi Party [1].
Police said approximately eight people were arrested during the lathicharge [1]. The force was deployed to clear the area after protesters attempted to maintain their position following the earlier Sansad march [2].
Participants described the atmosphere as restrictive. Dipke, a protest participant, said, "They've made it like North Korea" [1].
Despite the police action, demonstrations continued at Jantar Mantar as supporters of the CJP held their ground [2]. The group continues to call for judicial accountability, and the protection of the right to protest in the capital city [1].
“"They've made it like North Korea"”
The use of force at Jantar Mantar, a traditional site for peaceful protest in India, signals a tightening of security around the capital's political center. By involving members of parliament and recognized artists, the CJP movement is attempting to elevate a local police dispute into a broader national conversation about civil liberties and judicial oversight.
