Amnesty International India Raises Alarms Over Crackdown on Peaceful Protesters in New Delhi

Ahmed Hassan, News Directory 3 staff reporter
The Delhi Police’s response to peaceful protests in New Delhi has drawn sharp criticism from human rights organizations, with Amnesty International India accusing authorities of using excessive force and restricting fundamental freedoms. Aakar Patel, chair of Amnesty International India’s Board, stated that police actions at the Jantar Mantar protest site “raise serious questions about whether their response met the requirements of legality, necessity, and proportionality under international human rights standards.”

Protesters, led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), have been demanding accountability over alleged examination paper leaks affecting millions of students. The demonstrations intensified after the cancellation of the May 2026 NEET-UG medical entrance exam results, which triggered widespread unrest. Over two million students were required to retake the test, and local media reported at least three student suicides linked to the crisis. Protesters now seek INR 1 crore (USD 104,050) in compensation for families of those who died by suicide. The Delhi Police’s actions on 20 July, when protesters marched toward Parliament to demand the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, included the use of batons, tear gas, and stone-throwing, according to social media videos and witness accounts. Police also installed barricades, suspended metro services, and cut mobile internet access, restricting assembly. Patel described these measures as “unnecessary and excessive,” emphasizing that “the role of the authorities is to protect and facilitate peaceful protests, not to suppress them.”

Sonam Wangchuk, a prominent activist and hunger striker, was forcibly hospitalized on 18 July during his 21st day of protest. Wangchuk, who had been advocating for educational reforms, was moved to a hospital against his wishes, according to CJP representatives. The protests have highlighted broader concerns about transparency in India’s education system. The NEET-UG leak scandal, which led to the exam’s cancellation, remains under investigation. Amnesty International’s statement underscores the tension between state authority and civil liberties in India. Patel noted that the right to peaceful assembly is “recognized under international human rights law and the Indian constitution,” but warned that the police response risks eroding public trust. The organization has demanded independent investigations into allegations of unlawful force, including the use of batons and tear gas against demonstrators. Background of the Protests
The Cockroach Janta Party, a youth-led movement, emerged in 2026 as a vocal critic of India’s education policies. The group’s protests have gained momentum following the exam leak, with rallies held across major cities. The 2026 NEET-UG controversy began when thousands of students reported discrepancies in their question papers. The decision to cancel results and mandate a retest sparked outrage, with many students alleging financial and emotional harm. Local newspapers documented at least three suicides linked to the crisis, though official figures remain unconfirmed. The 2026 crisis has reignited debates about the security of high-stakes tests and the need for stricter oversight. The movement’s demands include transparency in exam administration, compensation for affected students, and structural reforms to prevent future incidents. As the protests continue, the situation remains fluid. Amnesty International has urged authorities to “ensure that all allegations of unlawful conduct… are promptly, independently, and impartially investigated.” The outcome could set a precedent for how India balances law enforcement with the protection of civil liberties. Quoted text
“The images and reports emerging from the protest at Jantar Mantar show how peaceful dissent is being suppressed in India. The police reportedly used unnecessary and excessive force against peaceful protesters and installed barricades to prevent them from reaching parliament. Authorities also suspended metro services and mobile internet, further restricting the exercise of the right to peaceful assembly.”
— Aakar Patel, Amnesty International India’s Chair of Board