Security was stepped up across central Delhi on Monday as thousands of supporters of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) gathered at Jantar Mantar for the organisation’s planned ‘Chalo Sansad’ march towards Parliament.
In response, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) temporarily closed the gates of Janpath, Rajiv Chowk, Patel Chowk, Central Secretariat and Seva Teerth metro stations on security grounds. Hours later, the DMRC announced that entry, exit and interchange services had resumed at Rajiv Chowk and Central Secretariat, while Janpath, Patel Chowk and Seva Teerth remained closed until further notice.
The restrictions came amid heavy deployment of Delhi Police and paramilitary personnel around Parliament during the ongoing Monsoon Session. Authorities said the measures were taken to maintain law and order and manage large crowds near sensitive government buildings.
Meanwhile, CJP supporters alleged that metro closures and barricades disrupted peaceful protesters travelling to Jantar Mantar. The march, backed by climate activist and education reform advocate Sonam Wangchuk, seeks the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET-UG paper leak controversy and other alleged examination irregularities.
Wangchuk, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike since June 28, remains admitted to Safdarjung Hospital after Delhi Police shifted him there following medical advice and a Delhi High Court order permitting intervention if his health deteriorated. As of the latest official update, commuters were advised to check DMRC advisories before travelling through central Delhi.
Metro Restrictions Amid Protest
The first signs of disruption emerged early on Monday morning when the DMRC informed commuters that gates at Janpath, Rajiv Chowk, Patel Chowk, Central Secretariat and Seva Teerth metro stations had been closed “until further instructions” due to security arrangements.
The closures coincided with extensive deployment of Delhi Police around Parliament Street, Jantar Mantar and adjoining areas, where prohibitory measures were already in force because Parliament’s Monsoon Session is underway.
Within a few hours, the metro corporation issued another update stating that operations at Rajiv Chowk and Central Secretariat had normalised, with entry, exit and interchange facilities restored. However, commuters continued to face restrictions at Janpath, Patel Chowk and Seva Teerth stations, which remained inaccessible pending further review by security agencies.
The metro restrictions came as thousands of people gathered at Jantar Mantar for the CJP’s ‘Chalo Sansad’ march, scheduled to begin at around 9 a.m. Protesters carried banners demanding accountability over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations, particularly the NEET-UG paper leak, while calling for broader reforms in India’s education system. The organisation has maintained that its movement is peaceful and intended to amplify the voices of students affected by repeated examination controversies.
On social media, CJP members posted videos showing crowds making their way towards Jantar Mantar, claiming that several metro stations had been shut even before the march officially began. Supporters also shared updates about barricades, road diversions and police deployment. While these posts reflected developments witnessed on the ground, several operational claims circulating online could not be independently verified.
Delhi Police, meanwhile, maintained that the restrictions were precautionary. Authorities had reportedly denied permission for the march to proceed towards Parliament, citing security concerns around the legislature during its ongoing session.
According to multiple reports, personnel from the Rapid Action Force (RAF) and paramilitary units were deployed alongside Delhi Police to prevent protesters from entering high-security zones. Barricades and traffic diversions were also put in place to regulate movement around Parliament Street and neighbouring administrative areas.
Movement Driven by Education Reform Demands
The latest mobilisation marks a significant escalation in a campaign that initially began online before expanding into nationwide street protests. The Cockroach Janta Party has emerged as a youth-led platform demanding greater transparency in public examinations, stronger safeguards against paper leaks, institutional accountability and wider education reforms.
A major focus of the campaign has been the alleged NEET-UG paper leak and a series of examination controversies that have sparked protests across several states. Demonstrators have demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, arguing that repeated irregularities have undermined the confidence of students and families in India’s competitive examination system.
Adding further momentum to the movement is Sonam Wangchuk, the Ladakh-based innovator, climate activist and education reform advocate. Wangchuk began his indefinite hunger strike on June 28, describing it as a peaceful effort to seek accountability and reforms. His deteriorating health has become a focal point of the protests.
After more than three weeks without food, Delhi Police shifted Wangchuk from the protest site at Jantar Mantar to Safdarjung Hospital over the weekend. Officials said the decision followed medical advice as well as an earlier Delhi High Court order permitting intervention should his condition worsen.
Despite his hospitalisation, Wangchuk continued to encourage supporters through messages shared by his wife, Dr Gitanjali Angmo, urging them to continue the July 20 march peacefully. In one such message, he described the campaign as India’s “second freedom movement” against injustice and fear.
The legal proceedings surrounding Wangchuk’s hospitalisation have also continued. On Sunday, the Delhi High Court declined to grant immediate interim relief on a petition seeking his transfer to a private hospital. Justice Mini Pushkarna observed that the government’s decision to shift him to Safdarjung Hospital was not arbitrary, noting that he had not voluntarily sought hospitalisation despite declining health.
The court also recorded that treatment was being administered with Wangchuk’s consent while issuing notices to the Centre, Delhi Police and hospital authorities for further proceedings. Separately, Dr Angmo challenged the decision before a division bench, seeking permission to move him to a private healthcare facility.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The developments in Delhi once again underline the delicate balance between ensuring public safety and protecting citizens’ democratic right to peaceful protest. Large gatherings near Parliament inevitably require heightened security, especially while the legislature is in session. At the same time, restrictions on transport and public movement can affect not only demonstrators but also thousands of ordinary commuters, making timely communication and proportional measures essential.
