Haryana: Opposition takes to the streets against paper leak and lathi-charge at Jantar Mantar; lawyers in Rohtak halt work

July 24, 2026

Widespread outrage was witnessed across various districts of Haryana regarding the police lathi-charge on protesting students at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar and the NEET paper leak issue. On Friday, the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD), District Bar Association, Samyukt Kisan Morcha, and student-employee organizations staged vigorous protests in Rohtak, Jhajjar, and Tohana. Raising slogans against the central government and the Education Minister, the protesters submitted memoranda and demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

INLD Protest and Lawyers’ Strike in Rohtak
In Rohtak, INLD workers led by Manjeet Kanheli and District Councilor Dheeraj Malik took out a protest march on Delhi Road. They submitted a memorandum addressed to CTM Shubham and the DGP, demanding immediate and strict action against the guilty. INLD leaders stated that the lathi-charge on students—considered the future of the nation—would not be tolerated. They warned that if prompt action was not taken, the party would launch a massive agitation at the state level.

Lawyers Suspend Work
Responding to a call by the Punjab-Haryana High Court Bar Association, the District Bar Association in Rohtak suspended work. Lawyers staged a sit-in protest to support students affected by the paper leak and to highlight irregularities in the appointment of new defense counsels. They raised serious questions regarding the use of police force against youths under the age of 18.

Memorandum Submitted to the President in Jhajjar; Education Minister’s Resignation Demanded
In Jhajjar, INLD District President Satpal Pehalwan led workers to the Mini Secretariat to stage a protest and sent a memorandum addressed to the President of India through the district administration. Satpal Pehalwan remarked that the police action at Jantar Mantar, aimed at suppressing the voice of the youth, was extremely unfortunate in a democracy. The INLD demanded that Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan take moral responsibility and immediately resign from his post.