Thousands of protesters participating in the “Sansad Chalo” march are reaching the Parliament House area in New Delhi, where Delhi Police are firing tear gas shells, using batons and deploying heavy security to stop them from moving beyond multiple barricades on the opening day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament.
The demonstration, led by the student-backed Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) and supported by activist Sonam Wangchuk’s movement, is demanding examination reforms, accountability for repeated paper leaks and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Delhi Police says the march has not been permitted and that prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) remain in force across the New Delhi district, while protesters allege that peaceful demonstrators are being prevented from exercising their democratic right to protest.
As the situation continues to unfold, several protesters are being detained, security has been intensified across central Delhi and the Union government has also initiated contact with protest leaders for possible talks.
Tear Gas Fired
The march, which begins from Jantar Mantar, witnesses thousands of students and supporters attempting to move towards Parliament despite repeated warnings from the police. Security personnel from the Delhi Police, Rapid Action Force (RAF) and paramilitary units erect multiple layers of barricades across Parliament Street and adjoining roads to prevent protesters from entering the high-security zone.
As sections of the crowd push past barricades, police respond by firing tear gas shells and carrying out baton charges to disperse demonstrators. Television visuals also show confrontations between protesters and security personnel, although Delhi Police maintains that officers are only enforcing prohibitory orders and denies allegations of excessive force.
Officials reiterate that no permission has been granted for the march and state that restrictions are necessary to safeguard Parliament, protect public order and ensure security during the Monsoon Session. Protesters, however, continue raising slogans, carrying the national flag and insisting that their demonstration is peaceful and aimed at drawing attention to the concerns of students across the country.
Is this a war zone? Why is the police resorting to tear gas assault on peaceful protesters?
— Cockroach is Back (@Cockroachisback) July 20, 2026
Sir @narendramodi have you decided we are no longer a democracy? First your govt ignored this protest for a month and now when we are peacefully marching your govt is attacking us. Why? pic.twitter.com/F52ELTr2Jp
Student Movement Expands
The “Sansad Chalo” march marks the biggest mobilisation yet by the Cockroach Janata Party, a youth-led movement that emerges after widespread outrage over repeated examination paper leaks affecting millions of students. Initially centred on demands for reforms in the examination system, the movement gradually broadens its agenda to include unemployment, governance and political accountability.
Public participation grows significantly after climate activist Sonam Wangchuk is shifted from his hunger strike at Jantar Mantar to Safdarjung Hospital on Saturday following health concerns, with supporters describing the move as an attempt to weaken the protest. On Monday, Wangchuk says he is feeling well and seeks temporary discharge from the hospital to join the march, calling the restrictions unjustified.
Meanwhile, the Centre appears to soften its stance by reaching out to protest representatives, with CJP leaders confirming that they have been invited for discussions with Union Minister J.P. Nadda even as the protests continue on the streets. The simultaneous continuation of demonstrations and the opening of communication channels suggest that negotiations could follow if both sides agree to engage.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The scenes unfolding near Parliament underline the delicate balance between protecting public order and safeguarding the democratic right to peaceful protest. While authorities have a legitimate responsibility to secure sensitive government institutions, citizens also have the constitutional right to voice their concerns through non-violent demonstrations. At moments like these, restraint from both protesters and law enforcement becomes essential to prevent further escalation.
The government’s decision to initiate dialogue offers a constructive opportunity to address the concerns of students and protesters through conversation rather than confrontation. Lasting solutions to issues such as examination reforms and public accountability can only emerge when institutions are willing to listen and citizens are able to express dissent peacefully. Can this moment become an opportunity for meaningful dialogue that strengthens both democracy and public trust, instead of deepening divisions?
Also Read: Fact Check: Vijay Thalapathy’s Viral ‘Jantar Mantar Visit’ Video Is False, Says Delhi Police
Is this a war zone? Why is the police resorting to tear gas assault on peaceful protesters?
— Cockroach is Back (@Cockroachisback) July 20, 2026
Sir @narendramodi have you decided we are no longer a democracy? First your govt ignored this protest for a month and now when we are peacefully marching your govt is attacking us. Why? pic.twitter.com/F52ELTr2Jp
