Hundreds of protesters under the banner of the Citizens for Justice and Peace (CJP) gathered at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar on Monday before marching towards Parliament as the Monsoon Session commenced. The demonstration, led in the absence of hunger-striking activist Sonam Wangchuk, called for greater accountability in the education system and dialogue with the Centre.
The protest saw heightened security, metro restrictions, an alleged lathi-charge by police, and later, the government initiating talks with CJP representatives through Delhi Police. Here’s a timeline of the key developments so far.
7:00 AM: Protesters Gather
Hundreds of supporters of the Citizens for Justice and Peace (CJP), students, parents and civil society members began assembling at Jantar Mantar early on Monday ahead of the proposed ‘Chalo Sansad’ march.
Organisers said the demonstration was aimed at demanding accountability over the alleged NEET paper leak and broader reforms in India’s education system. Volunteers repeatedly appealed to participants to maintain peace and discipline throughout the protest as the crowd steadily grew.
7:30 AM: Delhi Police Tighten Security
With Parliament’s Monsoon Session beginning on Monday, Delhi Police deployed extensive security arrangements across central Delhi. Multi-layered barricades were erected around Parliament, Jantar Mantar and adjoining roads, while prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) remained in force.
Police reiterated that no permission had been granted for the proposed march towards Parliament because of security concerns in the high-security zone.
8:00 AM: Delhi Metro Restricts Entry
Following directions from Delhi Police, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) temporarily restricted entry and exit at Patel Chowk, Central Secretariat, Udyog Bhawan, Janpath and Lok Kalyan Marg metro stations.
While train services continued as scheduled, commuters were advised to use alternate stations until further notice because of heightened security arrangements around Parliament. Later an update was posted by the Delhi metro.
Service Update
— Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (@OfficialDMRC) July 20, 2026
The interchange facilities and gates are now open at Rajiv Chowk and Central Secretariat metro stations.
8:30 AM: Wangchuk Reiterates
From Safdarjung Hospital, Sonam Wangchuk said he was prepared to end his hunger strike if the Centre accepted responsibility for alleged failures in the education system or if political leaders assured him that the issues raised by the protesters would be taken up during Parliament’s Monsoon Session.
He also alleged that his movement, speech and communication had been restricted while he remained in hospital.
9:00 AM: Gitanjali Angmo Appeals
Addressing supporters gathered at Jantar Mantar, Gitanjali J. Angmo urged protesters to remain peaceful and disciplined throughout the march. She said Wangchuk would end his fast if Parliament gave a meaningful assurance that education accountability would be discussed, stressing that the movement sought dialogue rather than confrontation.
9:30 AM: Gitanjali Angmo Moves Delhi High Court
As the protest gathered momentum, Gitanjali Angmo approached the Delhi High Court seeking permission to shift Wangchuk from Safdarjung Hospital to a private hospital under the care of doctors chosen by the family. The plea challenged the refusal to allow the transfer while Wangchuk continued his hunger strike.
10:15 AM: Protesters Begin
Thousands of protesters began marching from Jantar Mantar towards Parliament carrying the Tricolour and raising slogans demanding examination reforms, greater transparency in public institutions and accountability over alleged irregularities in the education system. Organisers continued urging demonstrators to maintain peace despite the heavy police deployment.
10:45 AM: Police Allegedly Lathi-Charge
As protesters advanced towards Parliament, tensions escalated near the security barricades. Videos from the site showed police personnel using lathis against demonstrators, with protesters alleging that a baton charge was carried out as they attempted to continue the march. Delhi Police maintained that security measures were being enforced in view of Parliament’s Monsoon Session and the prohibitory orders in force.
LATEST: as feared, lathi charge, instances of stone pelting and total chaos at Jantar Mantar. In a democracy, the streets should never become a battlefield! Dialogue is being defeated by disorder sadly. Or is this designed to discredit what was a remarkably peaceful and organic… pic.twitter.com/l6gEHQOMpr
— Rajdeep Sardesai (@sardesairajdeep) July 20, 2026
11:20 AM: Government Reaches Out For Talks
The Union government reached out to the CJP team to initiate talks as the protest continued in central Delhi. According to sources, DCP (New Delhi) Sachin Sharma is holding discussions with CJP representatives on the Centre’s behalf.
Sources said the protesters were initially offered talks with the District Magistrate, followed by a Secretary to the Union Government and later a Minister of State, but the offers were declined. The CJP has maintained that it is willing to hold talks only with Prime Minister Narendra Modi or a Cabinet Minister empowered to take decisions on its demands. Sources added that the organisation has submitted a list of preferred Cabinet Ministers to DCP Sachin Sharma for consideration.
Government reaches out to the CJP team for talks. DCP, New Delhi Sachin Sharma is talking on Centre’s behalf with the CJP team. CJP members were initially offered talks with District Magistrate, then a Secretary to the Union Government and also Minister of State, which was…
— Vijaita Singh (@vijaita) July 20, 2026
Also Read: 3 Delhi Metro Stations Remain Closed; Rajiv Chowk Reopens Ahead of CJP’s ‘Chalo Sansad’ March
