Plea against Internet shutdown around Jantar Mantar withdrawn from Delhi High Court

Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) supporters wave flags as they march to Parliament, seeking the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged examination irregularities and NEET paper leak, at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on July 20, 2026. | Thousands of people, led by the CJP, gathered on the opening day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament to demand the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, following repeated examination paper leaks in connection with the administration of the National Eligibility and Entrance Test (NEET), among other demands.In Pictures | CJP protest march to ParliamentCockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke and supporters protest seeking resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged examination irregularities and NEET paper leak, at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on July 20, 2026.Supporters of the Cockroach Janta party during the Parliament March in New Delhi on July 20, 2026.Supporters of the Cockroach Janta party during the Parliament March in New Delhi on July 20, 2026.Braving the rains, a CJP supporter takes part in the protest with the Constitution. A CJP protestor gives instructions ahead of the march from Jantar Mantar. Security personnel seen deployed in the early hours at Jantar Mantar.Supporters of the Cockroach Janta party during the Parliament March in New Delhi on July 20, 2026Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) supporters raise slogans as they gather ahead of a protest march, at the Jantar Mantar, in New Delhi, early Monday, July 20, 2026. Police and security personnel remove CJP supporters ahead of a protest march, near the Jantar Mantar.Supporters of the Cockroach Janta party during the Parliament March in New Delhi on July 20, 2026Patel Chowk Delhi Metro gates seen closed, in a bid to dussuade the CJP march. Actor Shabana Azmi at the CJP protest in Jantar Mantar.Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) supporters rest at the Jantar Mantar, as they gather ahead of a protest march, in New Delhi, early Monday, July 20, 2026. Delhi Police is on high alert ahead of the Monsoon Session of Parliament and CJP's proposed "Chalo Sansad" march on July 20, 2026, with heavy deployment of personnel visible at every nook and corner around Jantar Mantar, Parliament and other key locations.1/3Protesters took to the streets of New Delhi, clashing with police who used tear gas and batons to push them back. The protests, which started last month over the leak of medical school entrance exam papers, intensified after activist Sonam Wangchuk, who started a hunger strike on June 28, was forcibly moved to a hospital by police on July 18. Moreover, in the first widespread communications blackout in Delhi since the farmers’ agitation in 2021, mobile internet was switched off throughout Central Delhi, even as demonstrators poured into Jantar Mantar.The protests have also spread outside the capital, with demonstrations by youth and opposition groups ⁠being held in Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Goa, Guwahati, Thiruvananthapuram, Jammu and Ahmedabad.Read The Hindu’s ground reports from the protest sites. Published - July 22, 2026 04:04 pm IST

Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) supporters celebrate after Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned and took responsibility for the NEET paper leak, at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. | The continuous sit-in by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which started on June 13, was called off on Saturday (July 25, 2026) after the government accepted its demands, including withdrawal of criminal cases against protesters.Taking cue from the July 20 march to Parliament, during which several unarmed protesters were beaten up by the police, the Union government had made elaborate security arrangements for the next few days to contain the crowd at Jantar Mantar, the protest site in the heart of Delhi.An analysis of the social media chatter, which was found to have unsavoury remarks, particularly against the Prime Minister, after videos of police excesses on students and young people surfaced, also played a role in government conceding to the CJP’s demands, the foremost being Mr. Pradhan’s resignation.Diverse crowd“The police were underprepared on July 20 as the crowd, which reached the protest site following a call given by the CJP, was much beyond the initial estimate. However, there was little concern that the protests could lead to a Nepal- or Bangladesh-like situation, as the crowds were largely organic and socially diverse. Some unruly elements were mixed in the crowd, but the police had taken adequate measures post-July 20,” said a government source.At least eight Internet shutdown orders were issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) between July 20 and July 25, blocking communication in a radius of 1.5 km around Jantar Mantar.An Internet ban was imposed briefly on July 18, too, when activist Sonam Wangchuk, who had been on a hunger strike for more than 20 days, was forcibly removed from Jantar Mantar to Safdarjung Hospital by the police.“The police were prepared to hold and manage the crowd at Jantar Mantar for the next few days, coinciding with the ongoing session of the Parliament. The gathering was largely peaceful, and the possibility of unruly elements wanting to take advantage of the situation is always there,” said another government source.Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda said on Saturday (July 25, 2026) that the CJP delegation submitted a written proposal covering cases related to the agitation along with its five-point charter.“The government assured the team that no action will be taken against the organisers and protesters, and no new cases will be registered in connection with the agitation. It also expressed condolences to the families of the students who lost their lives and assured them of the highest possible compensation as per the rules,” Mr. Nadda said, adding that discussions will continue with the delegation. This was Mr. Nadda’s third meeting with the delegation.For a first information report (FIR) to be cancelled, the Delhi Police will have to withdraw the case and send a report to the court saying that it no longer wishes to pursue the case. Published - July 26, 2026 01:55 am IST

Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke and others celebrate at the protest site after Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigns from his post, at Jantar Mantar, in New Delhi on July 25, 2026. | Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke joined the crowd from the dais and waved the tricolour and sang Vande Mataram by A.R. Rahman.Addressing the protesters, Mr. Dipke said, “Dharmendra Pradhan has resigned and this is the proof that if you don’t get scared, you can win.” “You should not be scared to speak in a democracy. Only if you raise your voice, they will stay in line because they are sitting in power because of us.”However, Mr. Dipke has announced that the protest will continue despite the resignation announcement.He posted a picture of him holding the Indian Constitution, on X, and wrote “thank you.”“We have two more demands. We will not go like that. We are cockroaches. Once it enters, it does not leave. Only one resignation has happened for now. Don’t mess with the cockroach,” he said.Besides Mr. Pradhan’s resignation, the CJP has demanded ₹1 crore compensation for the families of students who died by suicide allegedly due to NEET paper leak controversy, and criminal action against those responsible for the alleged leak. The CJP also insisted that no action should be taken against the protsters and has demanded a public apology from RAF and Delhi Police for attacking the students during Parliament march earlier this week.Mr. Dipke described Mr. Pradhan’s resignation as the movement’s “first victory” but reiterated that the remaining demands — compensation for the bereaved families and action against those responsible for the alleged paper leak — were yet to be fulfilled.“The families of students who committed suicide should be given compensation. Action should be taken against police personnel who committed atrocities,” he said.Minor clashes were reported between protesters and security personnel outside the Jantar Mantar protest venue towards Sansad Marg around 2 p.m., ahead of the resignation announcement.Eye witnesses told The Hindu that the police resorted to tear gas shelling to disperse the protesters.The CJP started to protest at Jantar Mantar on June 20. Published - July 25, 2026 04:27 pm IST

Dharmendra Pradhan, in a post on X on Saturday (July 25, 2026), announced that he has tendered his resignation from the post of Union Education Minister. Also Read : Jantar Mantar protest LIVEMr. Pradhan’s resignation comes amid Cockroach Janta Party-led protests at the Jantar Mantar, demanding his accountability over the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak and irregularities in the CBSE’s on-screen marking process, besides seeking wider reforms in the conduct of public examinations.In a letter posted to X, Mr. Pradhan stated that in over to avoid “anti-national forces” from exploiting the situation at Jantar Mantar and across the nation, and “so that the unity of the country remains intact, so that the future of no student in India gets tangled in legal complexities, and so that our children spend their time studying and focusing on building their careers,” he has decided to quit from his position.“Keeping all of this in mind, I have submitted my resignation to the honourable Prime Minister,” Mr. Pradhan’s letter read.Prime Minister Narendra Modi is yet to provide any public comment on this.“I express my heartfelt gratitude to the Honourable Prime Minister for his guidance, trust, and constant support. I also extend my thanks to all my esteemed colleagues in the Council of Ministers, officials, and staff of the Ministry, as well as everyone I had the privilege to work alongside. Service to the nation remains the highest priority of my life, and I shall always stay dedicated to it,” Mr. Pradhan added.Mr. Pradhan began his letter addressing the “young friends.” He noted that “for over four decades, I have been dedicated to students, teachers, and education reform. It has always been my firm belief that an empowered, inclusive, and forward-looking education system forms the bedrock of a strong nation.”He went on to note that after irregularities came to light during the NEET-UG examination held on May 3, 2026, the Government took immediate cognisance, and “handed over the investigation to the CBI, cancelled the exam, and announced a new date for reexamination.”“Additionally, it was decided that from next year onwards, this exam will be conducted in Computer-Based Test mode.”“During this period, our utmost priority was ensuring that the exam for over 20 lakh students was conducted smoothly,” Mr. Pradhan said adding that with the cooperation of students, guardians, and parents, the exam was successfully completed on June 21, 2026.“From day one, I took responsibility for this and never turned my back on the situation. My resolve was that we will not let the future of any meritorious student be ruined by exam mafias, nor will we allow injustice to happen to any student.”“However, even during this time, individuals sitting in responsible positions attempted to mislead students and cause disruptions, which pained me deeply,” Mr. Pradhan said, likely referring to Opposition leaders.“With the blessings of Lord Jagannath ji, I will continue to dedicate myself in every possible way to serving Mother India, the people of Odisha, and fulfilling the aspirations of the country’s youth in the future,” Mr. Pradhan concluded.Jubilation at Jantar Mantar protest siteMeanwhile, Cockroach Janta Party’s Abhijeet Dipke declared victory at the Jantar Mantar protest site, conveying the news of Mr. Pradhan’s resignation to the protesters.“We have done it! Dharmendra Pradhan has resigned!” Mr. Dipke told a jubilant crowd.VIDEO | Delhi: As Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan posts a letter, saying he has sent his resignation to PM Modi, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke says, "We have done it. Dharmendra Pradhan has resigned."(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/M7XmkgYhRG— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) July 25, 2026

A crowd is seen in support of Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijit Dipke as they protest, seeking the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged examination irregularities and the NEET paper leak, at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on July 19, 2026. | Also read: Jantar Mantar protest updates on July 19, 2026The Delhi Police has deployed additional personnel, strengthened barricading and is conducting intensive vehicle checks at key entry points, sources said on Sunday (July 19, 2026).Preventive deployment will remain in place throughout the Parliament session, police added.Several entry points have been converted into high-security zones with multi-layered barricades, enhanced surveillance, anti-sabotage checks and round-the-clock patrolling in New Delhi, Central Delhi and parts of North Delhi, they said.A senior police source said elaborate preventive arrangements have been made to ensure law and order during the Parliament session.“Every vehicle entering the New Delhi district is being thoroughly checked. Additional pickets have been set up at strategic locations, and reserve forces have been kept on standby. CCTV surveillance has also been intensified across sensitive areas,” the source said.Security has been strengthened around Jantar Mantar, Parliament Street, Central Vista, Connaught Place, Shankar Chowk and other key installations, while rapid response teams have been positioned to respond to any contingency.The heightened vigil comes amid fresh developments at the protest site, where CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke continued his indefinite hunger strike after activist Sonam Wangchuk was whisked away on Saturday (July 18, 2026) to the Safdarjung Hospital.Mr. Wangchuk issued a message from the hospital urging supporters to participate in the proposed July 20 march. Published - July 19, 2026 05:45 pm IST

Kerala Leader of the Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan has expressed solidarity with the student and youth activists at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi.Mr. Vijayan stated that the ongoing protests, spearheaded by the Cockroach Janta Party, are in defence of democratic rights and the voices of the protesters would not surrender to the “authoritarian rule of the Sangh Parivar and the Narendra Modi government” despite the attempts at suppression.The members of left-wing student organisations, including Students’ Federation of India (SFI), All India Students’ Federation (AISF) and All India Students’ Association (AISA) had joined the demonstration a day ago.In a Facebook post, Mr. Vijayan said the message conveyed by SFI national president Adarsh M. Saji and joint secretary Aishe Ghosh by participating in the hunger strike at Jantar Mantar is an inspiration to all those who were fighting for democracy.The veteran CPI(M) leader added the students are the force shaping the India of tomorrow and asserted that no government should turn its back on their dreams, aspirations and future. The country needs an approach that listens to students, engages in dialogue with them and finds solutions to their concerns, he added. Published - July 19, 2026 03:51 pm IST

Home News India Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke said the protest demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan will continue Updated - June 20, 2026 03:54 pm IST Cockroach Janta Party Founder Abhijeet Dipke during a Protest against Dharmendra Pradhan at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on June 20, 2026. | Also read: Nagpur student gets Abu Dhabi centre; NTA to correct ‘allotment error’Multiple layers of barricades have been placed around Jantar Mantar and adjoining roads, with vehicles being checked at key entry and exit points across the city as part of preventive measures.Senior Delhi Police officers, including top brass, have been assigned field duties to oversee the arrangements and ensure law and order, police sources said. Reserve forces have also been kept on standby to tackle any untoward situation.Follow here for more updates:June 20, 2026 15:54 Visuals from CJP protestJune 20, 2026 15:48 Light rain could pause protests brieflyThe crowds gathered for the CJP protest may see some respite from the punishing heat as IMD forecasts light rain throughout Delhi in the next two hours, according to IMD.- Aroon DeepJune 20, 2026 15:25 Demonstrators bang plates and spoons in protestDemonstrators bang plates and spoons as they continue to demand the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan by sloganeering and holding up posters asking for the NTA to be disbanded, and more.June 20, 2026 15:14 Protestors shout 'Go Pradhan Go', while with plates and spoonsPeople were carrying plates and spoons at Jantar Mantar to show their concern and double down on their request for Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to resign. Demonstrators were shouting ‘Go Pradhan Go’ while banging their steel plates and spoons.June 20, 2026 15:06 Elected representatives’ children should go to the same schools as everyone else: Sonam Wangchuk“The system will only change when our elected representatives’ children go to the same schools as everyone else’s,” activist Sonam Wangchuk says during the protest.- Aroon DeepJune 20, 2026 14:58 Abhijit Dipke arrives at Jantar MantarJune 20, 2026 14:50 Jantar Mantar protest is underwayThe Cockroach Janta Party’s second protest at Jantar Mantar is underway. The protestors continue to demand the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan.June 20, 2026 14:46 Heavy security in place as CJP stages second protest at Jantar MantarHeavy security arrangements were put in place across the national capital on Saturday as the Cockroach Janta Party holds its second protest at Jantar Mantar, with police deploying extensive surveillance and crowd-control measures, officials said.The protest began with heightened police presence, with supporters arriving from different parts of Delhi and neighbouring States.Authorities have granted permission for the demonstration, officials said.CCTV cameras were installed in and around the protest venue to monitor the gathering in real time, while around 270 body-worn cameras will be used by police personnel deployed at the site to ensure transparency and document proceedings, according to officials.Heavy security in place as CJP stages second protest at Jantar MantarHeavy security and surveillance are in place as the Cockroach Janta Party stages its second protest at Jantar Mantar. Published - June 20, 2026 02:37 pm IST

Home News India Tamil Nadu The latest weather bulletin from the Regional Meteorological Centre on Saturday, June 20, said that a significant shift in weather patterns was expected from Sunday, June 21, paving the way for the onset of the Southwest Monsoon. Updated - June 20, 2026 11:28 am IST Vehicles move through rain soaked roads amid heavy rain, in Hyderabad on Friday, June 20, 2026. | What a ‘super’ El Niño would mean for India’s monsoonThe latest weather bulletin from the Regional Meteorological Centre on Saturday (June 20, 2026) said that a significant shift in weather patterns was expected from Sunday, paving the way for the onset of the Southwest Monsoon.India’s rainfall deficit at 35% as monsoon progress stallsAccordingly, heavy rain is likely at isolated places over the Nilgiris, Erode, Salem, Dharmapuri, Krishnagiri, Coimbatore, Theni, Dindigul, and Kanyakumari districts, and the ghat areas of Tirunelveli district.(With updates from PTI)Follow here for live updates,June 20, 2026 11:27 Southwest monsoon intensifiesThe latest weather bulletin from the Regional Meteorological Centre on Saturday (June 20) said that a significant shift in weather patterns was expected from Sunday, paving the way for the onset of the Southwest Monsoon.Accordingly, heavy rain is likely at isolated places over the Nilgiris, Erode, Salem, Dharmapuri, Krishnagiri, Coimbatore, Theni, Dindigul, and Kanyakumari districts, and the ghat areas of Tirunelveli district.The data further added that due to heavy rain, maximum temperatures are also expected to fall by four to five degrees Celsius over several rain-predicted districts in Tamil Nadu.- PTI Published - June 20, 2026 11:04 am IST

Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke during a protest at the Jantar Mantar to demand the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged examination-related lapses, in New Delhi, Saturday, June 6, 2026. File | The protest, led by CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke, is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. amid heightened police presence, with supporters arriving from different parts of Delhi and neighbouring States.Authorities have granted permission for the demonstration, officials said.CCTV cameras were installed in and around the protest venue to monitor the gathering in real time, while around 270 body-worn cameras will be used by police personnel deployed at the site to ensure transparency and document proceedings, according to officials.Delhi Police videographers were also stationed at the venue to record the protest and track any developments on the ground, they said.Multiple layers of barricades have been placed around Jantar Mantar and adjoining roads, with vehicles being checked at key entry and exit points across the city as part of preventive measures.Senior Delhi Police officers, including top brass, have been assigned field duties to oversee the arrangements and ensure law and order, police sources said. Reserve forces have also been kept on standby to tackle any untoward situation."Delhi Police has made adequate arrangements and we appeal to protesters to maintain peace and cooperate with law enforcement," a senior officer said.The Special Branch is keeping a close watch on developments at the protest site as well as related activity on social media, officials said.Security has also been strengthened at major transport hubs, including the Indira Gandhi International Airport, railway stations, inter-state bus terminals and border points, as a precautionary measure.Traffic diversions have been planned in parts of central Delhi depending on the size of the gathering, while metro services continue to operate normally, officials added.On June 15, Mr. Dipke was slapped multiple times and manhandled by miscreants while he was being carried on supporters' shoulders during a protest in Jaipur.The CJP, which started as a satirical online campaign following remarks made by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant during a court hearing last month, has since grown into an organised protest platform, drawing considerable traction on social media. Published - June 20, 2026 09:56 am IST