Clashes broke out near Jantar Mantar on Wednesday between Delhi police and protesters from the Committee for Judicial Reforms (CJP) [1, 2].
The confrontation highlights escalating tensions over government transparency and the integrity of the legal system. Protesters are demanding that the Centre provide accountability regarding paper leaks and implement broader judicial reforms [1, 2].
Police responded to the unrest by firing tear-gas shells and conducting a lathi charge to restore order [1, 2]. During the skirmishes, five police officers were injured [1]. The disruption extended to digital communications, as internet services in the area were snapped [2].
The protests occur amid a climate of high-profile activism. Sonam Wangchuk, a prominent activist, has been on a hunger strike for more than 20 days [2].
Observers on the ground described the restrictive environment following the police intervention. "They've made it like North Korea," Dipke said [2].
Delhi police personnel continued to manage the crowds as protesters attempted to resume their march through the city [1, 2].
“"They've made it like North Korea"”
The intersection of digital blackouts, physical force, and long-term hunger strikes suggests a deepening impasse between civil society and the state in India. By disrupting internet services and using lathi charges, authorities are prioritizing immediate crowd control over the protesters' demands for judicial transparency, which may further galvanize the movement for systemic reform.
