Cockroaches, clash, cries: Photos from one of India's biggest youth protests

From Sonam Wangchuk's hospitalisation to Parliament march confusion, tear gas, internet curbs and govt talks - here's how the CJP protest unfolded on Monday.

Updated on: Jul 20, 2026 7:47 PM IST

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Supporters of Abhijeet Dipke-led Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) gathered in large numbers on Monday at Jantar Mantar as the outfit planned march towards Parliament on Day 1 of Monsoon Session, prompting heavy security deployment. (Hindustan Times)

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The security presence to maintain law and order situation amid CJP's protest call and the heavy barricading in and around Jantar Mantar led to traffic chaos across Central Delhi (Hindustan Times)

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As the protest swelled, authorities imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) in parts of central Delhi and step up security around Parliament and key government buildings. (Hindustan Times)

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Security personnel fired tear gas shells to disperse protesters amid faceoff with protesters amid attempts to proceed towards Parliament on Monday. (Hindustan Times)

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CJP, an outfit launched on social media as a satirical response to a remark on youths by CJI Kant in May, has gained massive support of youths and several opposition leaders as well as celebrities. (Hindustan Times)

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CJP launched a protest on June 20 against exam irregularities, demanding resignation of the education minister. The protest was joined by climate activist Sonam Wangchuk on June 28, who started an indefinite hunger strike to support CJP. (Hindustan Times)

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Sonam Wangchuk was shifted to Delhi's Safdarjung Hospital by police on Saturday as his health deteriorated following 21 days of fasting, a move that triggered the CJP to escalate its protest.  (Hindustan Times)

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Amid Wangchuk's hospitalisation, which was opposed to by his wife and CJP leaders as well as supporters, Abhijeet Dipke announced to take taking ahead the hunger strike in the climate activist's absence. (Hindustan Times)

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Monday's (July 20) protest grew in the backdop of Wangchuk's hospitalisation and the unmet demands of government action over exam irregularities in the country (Hindustan Times)

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Internet services were reportedly suspended in parts of central Delhi, security personnel resorted to lathi charge and tear gas firing as thousands of protesters gathered amid tightened vigil around the possible routes to Parliament, where Monsoon Session kicked off on Monday. (Hindustan Times)

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Confusion prevailed over the planned 'Sansad Chalo' march of CJP on Monday, with organisers making announcements, police enforcing restrictions and protesters trying to understand whether the march would proceed. (Hindustan Times)

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As demonstrators attempted to move ahead towards Parliament amid Monsoon Session, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi was also present, security personnel continued their crackdown by blocking roads with multiple layers of barricades, triggering tense face-offs between protesters and security personnel. (Hindustan Times)

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As the standoff continued, a CJP delegation headed to meet BJP leader and Union health minister JP Nadda to present the group's demands. (Hindustan Times)

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Parallelly, the crackdown on protesters to maintain law and order situation in the sensitive areas of Central Delhi continued with lathi charge, tear gas firing etc.  (Hindustan Times)

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Personnel resorted to lathi-charge as protesters tried to push through security lines, leading to chaotic scenes on the streets of central Delhi. (Hindustan Times)

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The protest has emerged to be probably one of India's biggest youth movement, drawing support of thousands of youngsters, opposition leaders and prominent celebrities. (Hindustan Times)

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Situation remained tense around Jantar Mantar and nearby areas of central Delhi with the protest unresolved, a dramatic sequence of a planned Parliament march, confusion, police action and government talks on Monday evening. (Hindustan Times)