The Indian government has barred a planned march to Parliament by supporters of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), setting the stage for a possible confrontation as protests against alleged exam paper leaks continue to grow. Despite the restrictions, movement leaders insist the demonstration will proceed as scheduled on the opening day of Parliament’s Monsoon Session.
According to Delhi Police, permission for the march was denied due to heightened security arrangements around Parliament. Authorities said restrictions banning gatherings of five or more people remain in force across central New Delhi, except at the designated protest site of Jantar Mantar, where demonstrators have been staging a sit in for more than three weeks.
The protest movement has gained nationwide attention after activist Sonam Wangchuk, who was on a hunger strike, was shifted to a government hospital by police following concerns about his health. Wangchuk later described the campaign as “India’s second freedom movement,” saying it seeks freedom from injustice, particularly over repeated exam paper leaks, and freedom from fear following what he called his unlawful detention.
The Cockroach Janta Party has refused to cancel the march, with party representatives stating that preparations are continuing despite the police ban. Organisers say they are finalising plans while remaining committed to taking their protest to Parliament.
Meanwhile, a Delhi court ruled that authorities acted within the law by transferring Wangchuk to a government hospital after his health deteriorated. The court noted that he had received oral fluids and medical care with his consent and found no evidence that his rights had been violated. However, Wangchuk’s family continues to argue that he should be allowed treatment at a private hospital of their choice.
The growing Cockroach movement has attracted millions of supporters, particularly young people frustrated by high unemployment, competitive exam paper leaks, and demands for greater government accountability. The issue has become a significant political challenge as public pressure continues to mount ahead of parliamentary proceedings.
