Capuchin Major Superiors Condemn Police Action Against Student Protesters at Jantar Mantar

New Delhi, July 24, 2026 : The Conference of Capuchin Major Superiors in India (CCMSI) has condemned the police action during a recent student protest at Jantar Mantar, expressing solidarity with the demonstrators and calling for accountability for alleged excesses.

In a statement, the CCMSI said it was "deeply anguished" by the events surrounding the protest, which it described as a peaceful demonstration conducted with dignity and restraint. According to the conference, police allegedly used lathi charges, tear gas and water cannons to disperse the protesters.

The CCMSI also expressed concern over reports of alleged mistreatment of women protesters and the use of unparliamentary language by members of the police force. It said such conduct was "deplorable" and inconsistent with the responsibility entrusted to law enforcement agencies.

The Capuchin leadership body said it stood in solidarity with students who, it maintained, were exercising their right to raise their voices against alleged injustices. It described their demands for greater accountability in competitive examinations, action over alleged question-paper leaks and the resignation of the Union Education Minister as issues deserving serious attention.

"Suppressing these voices with violence only deepens the wound of mistrust between citizens and the institutions meant to serve them," the statement said.

The CCMSI also expressed disappointment over the Supreme Court's reported dismissal of the matter and its observation that judicial time should not be "wasted" on viewing controversial videos related to the Jantar Mantar protest.

The conference maintained that questions of justice should be addressed through careful examination of available evidence and by listening to the grievances of those affected.

The CCMSI called upon the government and other authorities to respect the dignity of peaceful democratic protest, ensure accountability for any alleged excesses and take steps to restore public confidence in the rule of law.

By Catholic Connect Reporter