The Supreme Court has stated that a complete ban on pellet guns is not possible as long as existing advisories permit their use for crowd control in exceptional circumstances by security agencies. However, the court clarified that allegations of specific misuse can be examined on a case-by-case basis, particularly in light of recent protests against the NEET paper leak.
Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Janta Party, was allegedly slapped during a protest in Jaipur concerning the NEET paper leak and unemployment. Two youths have been detained following the incident, which saw protesters demanding action on youth issues and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
The Delhi High Court is hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) challenging the "intrusive surveillance" of protesters at Jantar Mantar. The Solicitor General argued that videography is for law and order, not snooping, while the petitioner contended it violates privacy. The court has asked police about protest regulation guidelines.
Activist Sonam Wangchuk was shifted to Safdarjung Hospital after his health deteriorated during his 21-day indefinite hunger strike, marking the first significant action under new Delhi Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar.
Student organisations across India celebrated the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, attributing it to their nationwide protests against alleged NEET irregularities. While welcoming the move as a victory, groups like NSUI, AISA, and SFI affirmed their commitment to continue agitations until broader demands for accountability, transparency, and education reforms, including scrapping the NTA and NEP, are met.
Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, along with Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, were forcibly removed and detained by Delhi Police during a protest outside Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence, demanding justice for students protesting the NEET paper leak and condemning alleged police brutalities.
Security has been increased at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi ahead of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's visit to meet activist Sonam Wangchuk, who is on a hunger strike protesting NEET irregularities. Kejriwal has expressed support for the protest and its demand for the Union Education Minister's resignation.
Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk emphasised the enduring relevance of Mahatma Gandhi's non-violent resistance, stating, "His path is as relevant today as it was 100 years ago. This experiment is successful today."
Kangana Ranaut said some of the women protestors were "so ugly and corrupt that they can't be home makers either"
Shiv Sena-UBT leader Sanjay Raut has made significant claims regarding potential political shifts, suggesting Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis might move to the Centre, paving the way for a new BJP chief minister in the state. Raut also announced a 'Ram Raksha Andolan' protest in Nagpur against alleged embezzlement at the Ayodhya Ram temple and commented on delimitation and activist Sonam Wangchuk's hunger strike.
Bollywood actor Aamir Khan has clarified that his character Phunsukh Wangdu in the film "3 Idiots" was not based on activist Sonam Wangchuk, addressing a widespread misconception. Khan expressed concern over Wangchuk's ongoing hunger strike in Delhi, urging him to end it for his health.
The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) alleges a crackdown, reporting hacking incidents and account takedowns across its social media platforms following a campaign against the Union Education Minister.
The Supreme Court has issued interim directions regarding nationwide protests over the NEET paper leak, ordering the release of minor student protesters without criminal records and directing states to preserve all digital evidence. The court also called for a fair and independent investigation into allegations of police excesses against students, while also acknowledging concerns for injured police personnel.
The Supreme Court was strongly urged to establish a Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by a former judge to investigate alleged police excesses against students protesting the NEET paper leak across various states. The court, while issuing interim directions, restrained states from coercive action against protesters and ordered the release of minors without criminal antecedents.
The protest at Jantar Mantar against alleged paper leaks and irregularities in public examinations, initially led by students, has now entered its seventh week and is increasingly drawing support from senior citizens, who view it as a fight for the nation's future and education reforms.
The viral rise of the Cockroach Janta Party reflects growing frustration among Indian youth over unemployment, politics, and economic challenges, sparking nationwide debate online.
The CJP's rapid rise on social media reflects growing digital dissent and youth frustration with issues like unemployment and exam-paper leaks.
Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Janta Party, expresses concerns about potential arrest upon his return to India, but remains committed to protesting against the Union Education Minister over alleged shortcomings in the education system.
Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi launched a scathing attack on Home Minister Amit Shah, alleging he authorised police excesses against student protesters and was 'scared' to face Parliament. Gandhi also accused the RSS of controlling India's education system and promoting 'andhbhakts'.
Union minister J P Nadda on Wednesday accused Congress leader Rahul Gandhi of playing politics over the NEET paper leak and urged the Opposition to allow an "intensive" discussion on the issue in Parliament to find a "permanent solution" to the problem, instead of indulging in a blame game.
The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), a youth-led online campaign turned protest movement, has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the government, demanding the resignation or sacking of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in examinations and recruitment tests. The CJP, which organised a protest at Jantar Mantar, warned of nationwide agitation if their demands are not met.
The Supreme Court of India has refused an urgent hearing on a plea seeking an investigation into allegations concerning fake advocates and the activities of the satirical digital outfit 'Cockroach Janta Party' (CJP), with the Chief Justice advising the petitioner not to take the issue 'so sentimentally'.
'Whatever is happening is wrong. Why is the government sleeping? This is wrong.'
CBSE exams and unemployment are divergent concerns for the middle class and the poor, and the idioms of protest don't speak to all of India's young people, points out Kanika Datta.
'We looked up and there was a man dressed as Mahatma Gandhi walking with the protesters under Minto Bridge. Everyone burst into laughter. Almost instinctively, we shouted, 'Bapu ki jai ho!' It's one of those moments I'll never forget.'
Activist Sonam Wangchuk's wife has said she has moved the Delhi high court seeking permission to shift him from Safdarjung Hospital to a private facility, and will seek an urgent hearing on her plea on Sunday.
The spiralling agitation over the NEET issue saw protests and counter-protests by Congress and BJP across the country on Wednesday, with clashes and tense face-offs at many places, a day after Rahul Gandhi and other opposition leaders were forcibly removed from a dharna outside the prime minister's residence.
Omi Vaidya, known as Chatur from '3 Idiots', has publicly supported climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who is on an indefinite hunger strike in New Delhi, drawing attention to Wangchuk's deteriorating health and the inspiration he provided for Aamir Khan's character in the film.
Dialogue must be encouraged rather than adoption of hardline stands, violence and use of force, recommends Biswajit Dasgupta.
Activist Sonam Wangchuk has announced an indefinite hunger strike starting June 28 at Jantar Mantar if the government fails to address demands concerning the NEET paper leak and issues related to Ladakh's environment and cultural heritage. He expects a response by June 27.
A plea has been filed in the Supreme Court seeking a probe into the allegations regarding fake advocates and activities associated with the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), a satirical digital outfit that came up recently and took social media by storm.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has affirmed strong action against NEET paper leak culprits and urged state governments to collaborate with the Centre to prevent future incidents, emphasising national interest over party politics. He highlighted the successful re-examination and arrests made.
Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation is significant because it punctures, however slightly, the perception that the Modi government never retreats under pressure. Every long-serving government eventually reaches a point where every institutional failure is identified with the leader himself. Removing the minister may have prevented that political burden from falling directly on Modi. Whether it also resolves the underlying crisis is another matter, notes Ramesh Menon.
'After more than 12 years in power, he has been forced to retreat under public pressure. The education minister's resignation is the biggest political climbdown of his government so far.'
"I was thinking I would not be required to sit on a protest. I am sad I have to sit on a fast again. I am not doing it happily; it is not easy either. I may even die, but even if I die, I will not step back," said Sonam Wangchuk, climate activist and educator, regarding his indefinite fast for Ladakh's constitutional safeguards.
Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke plans to return to India to launch a peaceful protest seeking the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over examination-related lapses.
The Congress escalated its campaign against alleged examination irregularities by marching to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence, transforming the issue into a direct challenge to his political authority and demanding the resignations of top government officials.
As Sonam Wangchuk's hunger strike enters its 19th day, critics question why the government has remained silent despite mounting concerns over student welfare, observes Harishchandra.
The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) has stated that the ban on the Cockroach Janata Party's social media handles is a symptom of widespread frustration among India's youth regarding employment, competitive examinations, and economic pressures, urging the government to address these concerns through policy changes.
Students, college-goers, competitive exam aspirants, and parents gathered at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi for a protest organised by supporters of the Cockroach Janta Party, expressing deep concerns over recurring examination controversies, result uncertainties, and a perceived lack of accountability within the education system.
