Archive · 23 Aug 2026
Delhi Police Urges Calm Conduct After Jantar Mantar Clashes
Delhi Police gave officers instructions for handling protests after a tense event at Jantar Mantar.
The instructions say officers should stay calm when protesters ask difficult questions or try to upset them.
Police were told that angry faces and arguments might be recorded and shared online.
They should usually stay silent or say, “Please cooperate, we are doing our duty.”
Officers were told not to push away phones, shout, or react angrily to songs, jokes and signs.
Women protesters should generally be handled by women officers.
Police should also help injured people, children separated from parents, elderly people and those needing to pass through the crowd.
The advice says respectful words and helpful actions can reduce tension.
Police and reports about the protest gave different accounts of the force used and the injuries.
Delhi Police advised personnel to remain calm, avoid arguments and limit responses to provocative questions.
The advisory warned that angry reactions, gestures or confrontations could become viral videos, reels or memes.
Officers were told to avoid touching women protesters, use respectful language and assist people needing help.
The guidance followed clashes during a July 20 attempt to march from Jantar Mantar to Parliament.
Police reported more than 118 injured personnel, while around 60 protesters were also reportedly injured.
- Who
- Delhi Police personnel and protesters involved in the Jantar Mantar agitation.
- What
- Delhi Police circulated guidance urging restraint, respectful conduct and assistance while managing protests.
- When
- The advisory was shared earlier this month after clashes during a July 20 attempt to march to Parliament.
- Where
- Jantar Mantar and the New Delhi area.
- Why
- The guidance aims to prevent confrontations, reduce tension and stop officers’ reactions from becoming viral social-media content.
Police account and official guidance
Protesters’ concerns and reported injuries
Conduct during the clashes
Police account and official guidance
Delhi Police said protesters displayed unruly, aggressive and violent behaviour in the New Delhi area.
Protesters’ concerns and reported injuries
The protest involved confrontations with police, and around 60 protesters were reportedly injured.
Use of force
Police account and official guidance
Authorities denied using excessive force and cited injuries to more than 118 police personnel.
Protesters’ concerns and reported injuries
Security forces used lathis and teargas, while a reported inquiry found that pellet-gun shots hit five protesters.
Social-media recording
Police account and official guidance
The advisory says protesters may seek angry reactions to create viral reels, memes and other online content.
Protesters’ concerns and reported injuries
Recorded questions and confrontations can draw attention to protesters’ concerns and scrutiny of police conduct.
- Advisory distribution
- The guidance was shared with all 15 Delhi Police districts, as well as Railway and Metro units.
- Protester group highlighted
- The advisory particularly focused on protesters aged 18 to 28.
- Recommended response
- Officers were told to use “Please cooperate, we are doing our duty” when necessary, then maintain silence.
- Women protesters
- Personnel were advised to avoid touching women protesters and have women officers handle them.
- Positive actions
- Officers were told to assist injured people, call ambulances, clear paths and help separated children, elderly people and disabled people.
- Reported injuries
- Delhi Police said more than 118 personnel were injured; around 60 protesters were also reported injured.
- Pellet-gun report
- A Central Reserve Police Force inquiry reportedly found that one Rapid Action Force personnel fired seven shots, five of which hit protesters.
