Archive · 17 Sep 2026
Police Force During Delhi Protest Draws Supreme Court Inquiry
Young people in New Delhi marched toward Parliament on July 20.
They wanted the education minister to resign.
Police stopped the march using tear gas, sticks called lathis and pellet guns.
Dozens of people were hurt.
About a month later, the Supreme Court created a special committee to examine what happened.
Harsh Mander said the government must respect the right to protest.
Vibhuti Narain Rai worried that police could use violence without facing consequences.
Aditi Ghosh Mehta said officials appeared to show anti-minority feelings.
Youth protesters in New Delhi attempted to march to Parliament on July 20.
They demanded the resignation of the education minister.
Police used tear gas, lathis and pellet guns against demonstrators.
Dozens of protesters were injured during the confrontation.
The Supreme Court later established a high-powered committee to investigate alleged police brutality.
- Who
- Youth protesters, police and security forces; the discussion featured Harsh Mander, Vibhuti Narain Rai and Aditi Ghosh Mehta.
- What
- Police used tear gas, lathis and pellet guns during a protest march, prompting a Supreme Court investigation.
- When
- The march took place on July 20; the Supreme Court acted nearly a month later.
- Where
- New Delhi, during an attempted march to Parliament.
- Why
- The protesters were demanding the education minister's resignation; the committee was formed to investigate alleged police brutality.
Protest Advocates
Police and Officials
Use of force
Protest Advocates
Harsh Mander and Vibhuti Narain Rai criticized the use of force and stressed that protest is a democratic right.
Police and Officials
The article reports that police and security forces used tear gas, lathis and pellet guns, but does not provide their justification.
Official conduct
Protest Advocates
Aditi Ghosh Mehta said officials' body language indicated anti-minority sentiment.
Police and Officials
The article does not include a response from officials to that allegation.
Accountability
Protest Advocates
Vibhuti Narain Rai expressed concern that police could resort to violence without repercussions.
Police and Officials
The Supreme Court's high-powered committee represents an official effort to investigate the alleged brutality.
- Protest date
- July 20
- Location
- New Delhi
- Protest destination
- Parliament
- Protest demand
- The resignation of the education minister
- Police measures
- Tear gas, lathis and pellet guns
- Reported injuries
- Dozens of demonstrators were injured
- Legal response
- The Supreme Court set up a high-powered committee nearly a month later