Mumbai Police Ban Assemblies After Violent CJP Protests

The Greater Mumbai Police issued prohibitory orders effective from July 24 to August 6, 2026, restricting the assembly of five or more people across the city. These measures, enacted under Section 37 of the Maharashtra Police Act, 1951, ban public speeches, the display of effigies, and the carrying of arms to prevent a "likelihood of breach of peace and disturbance of public tranquillity."

The crackdown follows a wave of unrest triggered by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) and student protests over NEET-UG paper leaks. On July 20, CJP supporters marched toward the Indian Parliament in New Delhi, resulting in violent clashes near Jantar Mantar. Delhi Police reported that protesters attempted to breach three-layer barricades and engaged in stone-pelting, injuring several officers, including ACP Jai Prakash. However, critics allege that the Delhi Police used illegal and excessive force, including tear gas and nails embedded in lathis.

Solidarity demonstrations also spread to Mumbai, with gatherings at Shivaji Park and Chembur. On July 19, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray addressed a protest at Shivaji Park regarding activist Sonam Wangchuk. In response to these unauthorized events, Mumbai Police registered 13 FIRs and booked approximately 400 people between July 18 and July 22, while an additional eight FIRs were filed against 900 individuals linked to the broader CJP and student movements. Protesters in both cities demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over examination irregularities.