Protest Security – Tight Vigil Continues as Authorities Monitor Demonstrations in Delhi
Protest Security –Security remained on high alert in central Delhi as authorities continued to monitor demonstrations near Jantar Mantar following fresh tensions and incidents of violence linked to the ongoing protests.
The atmosphere at the protest venue became tense on Thursday evening after a section of demonstrators allegedly threw water bottles towards security personnel deployed in the area. Police officers repeatedly urged the gathering to remain peaceful and continue their protest without disrupting public order. During the confusion, some protesters confronted a few individuals they believed were attempting to provoke unrest. The confrontation soon turned into a physical altercation, after which the accused individuals were reportedly chased away by members of the crowd.
Extensive Security Measures Across the Area
Authorities maintained a strong security presence throughout the day with large numbers of Delhi Police personnel and paramilitary forces positioned around the protest site. Barricades were installed at key entry and exit points, including stretches along Sansad Marg, to regulate movement and prevent any escalation of the situation.
A police vehicle remained stationed near the Sansad Marg and Jai Singh Road intersection, where officials made repeated public announcements requesting protesters to maintain calm. Volunteers associated with the demonstration also appealed to participants to avoid violence and refrain from taking matters into their own hands.
Surveillance Technology and Internet Restrictions
As part of enhanced security arrangements, police deployed drones and facial recognition systems to monitor activities around the protest site. Officials said the technology was intended to help maintain law and order while keeping a close watch on crowd movement. Internet services in the surrounding area were temporarily suspended as a precautionary measure.
Police also dismissed speculation regarding an immediate crackdown on the protest. Officials stated that reports suggesting such action was planned were inaccurate and reiterated that maintaining peace remained the priority.
Police Personnel Injured, More Cases Registered
Several members of the security forces sustained injuries during the clashes. Special Commissioner of Police (Law and Order Zone 1) Devesh Chandra Srivastva visited RML Hospital to meet officers receiving treatment for serious injuries.
Meanwhile, another criminal case has been registered in connection with the violence that erupted on Parliament Street a day earlier. According to police, at least five officers, including two Assistant Commissioners of Police, were injured during Wednesday’s clashes. The latest case has increased the total number of FIRs related to the protest violence to eleven.
Police also clarified that the routine quarterly renewal of powers under the National Security Act had no connection with the ongoing CJP protests, rejecting claims that linked the two developments.
Lawyers Hold Constitutional Preamble Reading
A group of Supreme Court advocates gathered on the court’s lawn on Thursday to express solidarity with students participating in the demonstrations. As part of the “Save Democracy, Save Constitution” campaign, the lawyers collectively read the Preamble to the Constitution.
The event was led by senior advocates Indira Jaising and S. Muralidhar, while Supreme Court Bar Association President Vikas Singh also took part. The participants criticised the police action against protesters during earlier demonstrations held near Jantar Mantar.
High Court to Examine Plea on External Involvement
The Delhi High Court agreed to hear a petition seeking an investigation by the National Investigation Agency into the alleged involvement of external elements in the CJP protest.
The petitioner argued that the participation of activists, political leaders and organisations allegedly receiving foreign funding had raised questions regarding the objectives behind the agitation. The plea also claimed that the ongoing protests had caused significant disruption across parts of the national capital.
Sonam Wangchuk’s Wife Questions Political Support
Environmental activist Sonam Wangchuk continued his indefinite hunger strike from a hospital in Gurugram. His wife, Gitanjali Angmo, criticised the Congress protest held near the Prime Minister’s residence on July 21, alleging that it did not represent genuine support for the students’ movement.
She accused political parties of attempting to derive political benefit from the agitation and maintained that young protesters would reject those they considered insincere.
Delhi High Court Designates Fast-Track Court
In a separate development, the Delhi High Court notified a dedicated fast-track court to hear criminal cases involving paper leaks and other unfair practices in public examinations.
The newly designated court, presided over by judicial officer Anu Grover Baliga at the Rouse Avenue Courts Complex, will handle offences under the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, along with related criminal cases, with immediate effect.