Delhi Police clashed with students and members of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) at Jantar Mantar on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
The demonstrations highlight growing public anger over alleged NEET exam paper leaks and a perceived lack of accountability within the national education system. Protesters are specifically demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Police denied permission for the gathering and banned large groups from assembling [1]. Despite the restriction, a large crowd swelled at the site, leading to a lathicharge, a baton charge, by security forces [2]. Authorities detained more than 25 protesters during the unrest [2]. To curb the movement of people toward the site, officials ordered the closure of 18 Delhi Metro stations [1].
The CJP has maintained a prolonged campaign, with the recent events marking the 35th day of their protest [3]. This effort followed a seven-day deadline previously set by the party for the government to take concrete action [4]. The group has used various symbolic tactics to draw attention to the issue, including the launch of a diaper intended to symbolize the need to stop leaks [5].
Adding to the tension at Jantar Mantar, activist Sonam Wangchuk had been conducting a hunger strike. Wangchuk's fast lasted 26 days before he ended it [1]. While the CJP said the protest would continue until the Education Minister resigns, the central government said it remains open to dialogue as the number of protesters grows [2].
The Delhi High Court is scheduled to hear an urgent plea related to the student protests and the subsequent police actions [2].
“Delhi Police clashed with students and members of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) at Jantar Mantar.”
The escalation of protests at Jantar Mantar reflects a deepening crisis of confidence in India's standardized testing integrity. By linking exam leaks to the direct accountability of the Education Minister, the CJP and student groups are shifting the narrative from administrative failure to political negligence. The involvement of high-profile activists and the resulting legal challenges in the Delhi High Court suggest that the NEET controversy may trigger a broader movement for educational reform and government transparency.
