Indian students have been protesting in thousands since June following the leak of NEET examination materials, which led to the creation of the satirical 'Cockroach Janta Party' and calls for demonstrations at Jantar Mantar in Delhi. Among the protesters' demands is the resignation of Indian Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
On June 28, leading Indian activist Sonam Wangchuk began a hunger strike in solidarity with the demonstrators. On the twenty-first day of his fast, he was detained by Delhi authorities, citing health reasons, but Wangchuk and his wife Gitanjali Angmo called it an 'illegal detention.'
The removal of Wangchuk from the protest site triggered the 'Chalo Sansad' movement, under which the CJP called for a march to Parliament. During a one-day event, for which the Delhi Police did not grant permission, roads were heavily blocked. Protesters claimed they were treated rudely despite the peaceful nature of the demonstration, and that many were detained, although the Delhi Police refuted these reports.
AFP videos and photos showed students being beaten with batons, and the police using tear gas. According to Reuters, 60 protesters were injured, and 118 police and security personnel were also affected.
Although the demonstrators failed to reach Parliament, the movement sparked solidarity actions in other states, including Kerala, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Goa. After July 20, protests at Jantar Mantar continued, leading to several developments. Recent news includes:
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated on July 23 that fast-track courts would be established to prosecute individuals involved in the leakage of examination materials, and that authorities have been instructed to take 'all necessary measures in this regard.' Modi wrote on X: 'Nothing is more important than the well-being and future of our youth!'. He added that 'those who try to harm the future of our youth will not be spared.' The fast-track courts are intended for the swift resolution of cases, as the Indian judicial system is known for its slowness and can take years.
Wangchuk concluded his 26-day fast late on the night of July 23 in the presence of Union Ministers J.P. Nadda and Jitendra Singh; his wife Gitanjali was also present. The leading activist announced that he ended his fast after being visited by 65 Members of Parliament, Nadda, Singh, and senior leaders of the Union Territory of Ladakh, all of whom persuaded him to stop fasting.
Two of Wangchuk's demands were met: a government statement read by Nadda said: 'The government is positive about not taking action against those peacefully protesting at Jantar Mantar in Delhi, and those participating in the march to Parliament on July 20, 2026.' The government also 'positively views appropriate compensation for victims of suicides related to recent NEET material leaks.' Wangchuk expressed gratitude, saying: 'I am grateful and happy to end the fast. Thank you,' holding Nadda's and Singh's hands. Then, addressing his wife, he said: 'Gitanjali has always been there for me and my support. I do not want to thank, but express my feelings.'
CJP founder Abhijit Dipke expressed relief after the news of Wangchuk's fast ending, stating that the protests would continue until Pradhan's resignation.
Around July 23 at 23:52, Modi released a rare video address to the nation. He acknowledged that 'material leaks are not just a problem,' noting that hundreds of thousands of students and families are affected by this issue. The Indian Prime Minister stated that strict measures have been taken against those responsible for the NEET material leaks. He also announced that the issue of leaks would be discussed in the Cabinet, after which a bill would be presented in Parliament on Monday.
CJP representatives Ashutosh Ranka and Saurav Das met with Indian ministers J.P. Nadda and Jitendra Singh. The party's national press secretary reported to journalists that the government considered two out of three demands. However, the government requested time until Wednesday to discuss the issue of Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation. Ranka stated that if the minister does not resign, he should be fired; if neither of these actions takes place, the CJP will announce a new nationwide call.
According to Indian media reports, the Secretary of Higher Education in India, Vineet Joshi, who also holds the position of Secretary of School Education, was transferred to the Ministry of Panchayati Raj. Two new secretaries were appointed in the Ministry of Education: Naresh Pal Gangwar was appointed Secretary of Higher Education, and T.K. Anil Kumar was appointed Secretary of the Department of School Education and Literacy.
Nevertheless, CJP founder Dipke stated that 'the government rewards corruption instead of ensuring accountability.' He accused Gangwar—an 'IAS official from the Animal Husbandry Department'—of serious allegations of multi-million rupee corruption. Dipke believes that replacing one bureaucrat with another accused of serious corruption is a direct insult to the youth across India.
Indian media reported that the Cabinet approved a draft law with strict measures against material leaks. According to the draft amendments to the 'Prevention of Unfair Means in Public Examinations Act 2024,' violators could face up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to 100 million rupees. Economic Times reported that the draft also provides for increasing the minimum sentence from three to five years, although Khaleej Times could not independently verify the content of the draft.
The Indian news agency ANI reported that the National Testing Agency (NTA), which conducts NEET exams, suspended 47 officials. ANI reported that legal and criminal action would be taken against some of them. DD News also reported that NTA posted advertisements for several senior professional positions at the CEO level and opened recruitment for sixteen young specialists through the India's UPSC Pratibha Setu portal.
The Delhi Police announced that it has formed a Special Task Force (STF) to investigate material leaks and other exam-related crimes under the Prevention of Unfair Means in Public Examinations Act 2024. Authorities stated that the STF will conduct 'operational investigations into crimes related to public examinations,' ensure coordination with law enforcement agencies, and guarantee daily judicial proceedings in such cases. The head of the STF will be the Deputy Commissioner of Police of the Delhi Crime Branch, and overall supervision and administrative control will be exercised by a Special Commissioner of Police of the Crime Branch.
Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk concluded his 26-day hunger strike on Friday after the Centre promised to address key demands related to student protests. Concurrently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that the government would introduce a new bill with strict provisions against exam material leaks in a late-night video message.
Activist Sonam Wangchuk ended his indefinite fast at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram shortly after midnight in the presence of Union Ministers J.P. Nadda and Jitendra Singh. He stated that this decision was made following prolonged negotiations with the government and was influenced by the possibility of violence in the country.
In a post on X, Wangchuk wrote: 'I have finally broken my fast after 26 days just now in the presence of Union Ministers J.P. Nadda and Dr. Jitendra Singh and senior leaders of the Leh-Ladakh High Body. Earlier, 65 Members of Parliament from various political parties visited me or signed letters calling for the end of the strike. This happened after long negotiations on various conditions and due to the possible violence in the country. Meanwhile, I urge everyone to remain very vigilant so that no kind of violence occurs anywhere.'
Following Wangchuk's announcement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi wished him a speedy recovery, advising him to follow the doctors' recommended regimen and regain weight as soon as possible. He wished Sonam good health.
In his late-night video message, Prime Minister Modi stated that the government would introduce a bill with stringent provisions against exam leaks, including the creation of fast-track courts and harsher penalties for violators. He clarified that this draft would be discussed by the Union Cabinet on Friday, and the government would strive to pass it through Parliament next week.
Modi noted: 'The Cabinet will discuss the issue of leaks on Friday... On Monday, when the second week of the Monsoon Session of Parliament begins, a bill with provisions for decisive action against leaks will be presented, and we will try to pass it as soon as possible.'
The Prime Minister called the leaks 'very painful' for hundreds of thousands of students and their families. He emphasized that the government reacted promptly after the alleged NEET-UG exam leak. 'The culprits were caught. They are currently in jail. Our most important task was to ensure that students do not lose a year... Using all resources, the government ensured re-examination opportunities for 22 lakh students.'
Furthermore, Prime Minister Modi added that he had instructed authorities to establish fast-track courts to ensure swift justice, and that the proposed legislation would be another step towards making the examination system 'invulnerable' and protecting students' interests.
Scientist and activist Sonam Wangchuk began his twenty-fourth day of continuous hunger strike on Tuesday. This occurred amid escalating protests by the Cockroach Janta Party against the Central Government regarding the leak of NEET examination materials and the renewed demand for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
A representative of CJP, Ashutosh Ranka, stated that Wangchuk remains firm in his indefinite fast, which the group believes is aimed at holding people accountable for the NEET incident. In an X post, Ranka wrote: 'Sonam Wangchuk is on day 24 of his hunger strike. He is still fighting for us. We will not stop. Pradhan must be removed.'
In addition to Wangchuk, other demonstrators resumed sit-in protests at Janthar Mantar in Delhi, continuing their campaign and insisting on Pradhan's resignation. CJP founder Abhijit Dipke also participated in the demonstration alongside party members.
The day before, protesters marched to Parliament, gathering a large number of supporters. They were joined by notable figures such as actors Shabana Azmi and Prakash Raj, as well as MPs Dimple Yadav and Chandrashekhar Azad. However, the protest was accompanied by allegations of police overreach. CJP accused the Delhi Police of using force against protesters, claiming that Sonam Wangchuk's wife, Gitanjali, along with Shabana Azmi and Prakash Raj, were among those injured during the march.
Nevertheless, the Delhi Police rejected these accusations, calling the social media reports false and misleading.
