A lathi-charge was reported at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar on Monday after hundreds of students and youth activists marched from Mandi House Metro Station towards the protest site as part of the “Sansad Chalo” call. Protesters, including a large number of male and female students, raised slogans against the Central Government while demanding that their voices be heard.
Heavy police deployment, barricades and security checks were put in place across central Delhi to stop demonstrators from moving towards Parliament, with authorities citing concerns over law and order, traffic management and public safety. As tensions escalated, visuals circulating on social media showed police using batons to disperse sections of the crowd.
While protesters alleged excessive use of force and asserted that they were exercising their democratic right to peaceful protest, Delhi Police maintained that the march had not been granted permission and that adequate arrangements had been made to prevent any disruption in the high-security zone. The incident comes amid continuing demonstrations led by students, youth groups and supporters of activist Sonam Wangchuk, whose hunger strike has drawn national attention over the past several weeks.
Clashes Erupt
The demonstration began with students and youth activists assembling near Metro Station before marching towards Jantar Mantar and Parliament while raising slogans against the Central Government. Many participants carried banners and placards, demanding accountability and urging authorities to address the issues raised by the protest movement.
Anticipating large crowds, Delhi Police had deployed a significant number of personnel, including paramilitary forces, around Jantar Mantar, Parliament Street and adjoining roads. Barricades were erected at multiple locations, and protesters were repeatedly asked not to proceed towards Parliament, which remains a high-security area where public demonstrations require prior permission. As the crowd attempted to move ahead, confrontations reportedly broke out between demonstrators and security personnel, following which a lathi-charge was reported.
Videos shared online showed police personnel using batons while protesters tried to continue their march or retreat from the area. Delhi Police had earlier stated that the proposed “Sansad Chalo” march would not be allowed because organisers had not obtained the necessary permission and because of concerns over maintaining public order. Officials also appealed to protesters to cooperate with security personnel and avoid entering restricted zones. Separately, police had rejected allegations made in recent days that they had assaulted protesters or deliberately disrupted facilities at the protest site, insisting that their actions were guided by security requirements and court directions.
Weeks of Protest
Monday’s developments are the latest in a series of demonstrations that have unfolded at Jantar Mantar over recent weeks. The protest site has become a focal point for students, youth organisations and civil society groups seeking to draw attention to their demands through peaceful demonstrations. The movement gained further visibility after climate activist and education reformer Sonam Wangchuk began an indefinite hunger strike, prompting supporters from across the country to gather in Delhi.
Over the weekend, Wangchuk was shifted to Safdarjung Hospital after police said medical experts advised immediate intervention due to concerns about his health. Authorities stated that the decision was taken in accordance with medical advice and directions linked to a Delhi High Court order. However, supporters questioned the timing of the move and accused the administration of attempting to weaken the protest.
Despite Wangchuk’s hospitalisation, demonstrators continued with the planned “Sansad Chalo” march, arguing that the issues raised by the movement extend beyond any one individual and require direct engagement from policymakers. Opposition leaders and several activists also expressed solidarity with the protesters, while the Delhi Police reiterated that any gathering near Parliament without prior approval would not be permitted because of security considerations.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The events at Jantar Mantar once again underline the delicate balance between safeguarding public order and protecting citizens’ democratic right to peaceful protest. Democracies grow stronger when dissent is heard through dialogue rather than confrontation, and when both authorities and demonstrators exercise restraint during moments of tension. While law enforcement agencies have a responsibility to maintain security, especially in sensitive areas of the national capital, any use of force should remain proportionate, transparent and subject to public accountability.
Equally, peaceful protests are most effective when they remain non-violent and create space for meaningful engagement rather than escalation. At a time when many young people are taking to the streets to express their concerns, constructive communication between governments, institutions and citizens is essential to rebuilding trust and preventing avoidable conflict.
How can governments, law enforcement agencies and citizens work together to ensure that peaceful dissent is protected while maintaining public order in a democracy?
