Human rights group condemns excessive use of force, urges independent investigation
NEW DELHI — Human rights watchdog Amnesty International has expressed concern over excessive police action against protesters marching towards Parliament on Monday (July 20), saying the reported use of force against peaceful demonstrators raises “serious human rights concerns.”
The group also called for an independent investigation into the use of force.
In a statement, Aakar Patel, Chair of the Board of Amnesty International India, criticised the use of batons, tear gas and restrictions imposed on protesters demonstrating over the country’s education system.
“The images and reports emerging from the protest at Jantar Mantar show how peaceful dissent is being suppressed in India,” Patel said.
He said police used unnecessary and excessive force against peaceful protesters, erected barricades to stop them from reaching Parliament, and suspended metro services and mobile internet, restricting the right to peaceful assembly.
Amnesty said the responsibility of the authorities is to facilitate and protect peaceful protests rather than suppress them.
“The right to peaceful assembly is guaranteed under both the Indian Constitution and international human rights law,” the organisation noted.
Questioning the police response, Patel said it raised concerns about whether the actions met the principles of legality, necessity and proportionality required under international human rights standards.
The rights body urged Delhi Police to exercise restraint and called for an investigation into all allegations of misconduct.
“We call on the Delhi Police to exercise restraint and immediately cease the use of unlawful force against peaceful protesters,” the organisation said.
It added: “Authorities must ensure that all allegations of unlawful conduct, including the reported excessive use of batons, tear gas, and stone-throwing by police personnel, are promptly, independently and impartially investigated.”
The protests, led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), have centred on demands for accountability over the alleged NEET-UG question paper leak and wider reforms in the education system. Protesters are also seeking the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and compensation of Rs 1 crore for the families of students who died by suicide following the paper leak.
The protests gained further attention after activist Sonam Wangchuk, who was on a hunger strike in support of the movement, was taken by Delhi Police to Safdarjung Hospital on July 18.
Wangchuk was admitted against his wishes on the 21st day of his fast. He was later allowed to shift to a hospital of his choice following a Delhi High Court order.
Thousands of protesters on Monday attempted to march towards Parliament, but were stopped amid heavy security. Videos shared on social media showed police using tear gas and batons to disperse the crowd.
Delhi Police have maintained that the security measures were necessary to “maintain law and order.”
The agitation follows the cancellation of the 2026 NEET-UG results after allegations of a question paper leak. More than two million candidates were required to retake the examination, triggering widespread protests and intensified calls for accountability, especially after reports of several students dying by suicide amid the stress and uncertainty.
