Archive · 19 Jul 2026
CJP Protest in Mumbai: Azad Maidan Restrictions and Controversy
People in Mumbai have been protesting at Azad Maidan to support a bigger protest in New Delhi about a leaked exam paper.
The Mumbai Police have filed complaints against some protesters because they were protesting on weekends, which is not allowed.
Azad Maidan has been a designated protest area since 1997 after residents complained about noise from protests.
The new rules say protests can only happen on weekdays, between 9 am and 6 pm, and no more than 5,000 people can protest at a time.
Some political leaders say these rules are unfair and limit free speech, while the police say they are necessary to keep order.
Protests at Azad Maidan in Mumbai support the CJP protest in New Delhi over the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak.
Mumbai Police filed FIRs against protesters for violating weekend protest restrictions.
Azad Maidan has been a designated protest area since 1997 due to noise complaints from residents.
New rules limit protests to weekdays, 9 am to 6 pm, with a maximum of 5,000 participants.
Political leaders criticize the rules as undemocratic, while authorities argue they maintain public order.
- Who
- Activists, citizens, and student leaders
- What
- Protests against NEET-UG 2026 paper leak
- When
- Ongoing since last week, with FIRs filed on July 18
- Where
- Azad Maidan, Mumbai
- Why
- To protest against the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak and advocate for changes in protest regulations
Protesters and Activists
Mumbai Police and Government
Protest Restrictions
Protesters and Activists
Protesters argue that the restrictions are undemocratic and infringe on their right to free speech.
Mumbai Police and Government
The Mumbai Police and government maintain that the rules are necessary to maintain public order and prevent disturbances.
Designated Protest Area
Protesters and Activists
Activists believe that limiting protests to Azad Maidan on weekdays is restrictive and unfair.
Mumbai Police and Government
Authorities argue that designating a specific area for protests helps manage traffic and security more effectively.
- Location
- Azad Maidan, Mumbai
- Protest Cause
- NEET-UG 2026 entrance examination paper leak
- Rules Enforced
- Public Meetings, Agitations and Processions Rules, 2025
- Protest Timing
- 9 am to 6 pm on weekdays
- Maximum Protestors
- 5,000
- Key Figures
- Sudhir Dhawale, Manoj Jarange Patil
- Legal Cases
- Elgaar Parishad case, Amit Sahni vs Commissioner of Police