As protests across India have surged in recent months, police interventions have been reportedly met with allegations of excessive force. Recent demonstrations, notably those organized by the youth movement known as the ‘cockroach’ movement, have drawn the attention of international organizations including the United Nations and Amnesty International, both criticizing mass detentions and the use of force by law enforcement.
Data from 2026 indicates a significant rise in demonstrations, with 18,629 recorded so far, compared to 10,642 in 2016. Out of these, approximately 17,691 were categorized as protests, with at least 1,200 requiring police intervention, often involving confrontations that drew further scrutiny.
Recent petitions filed in the Supreme Court have alleged mass detentions and the excessive use of force during these protests. In July, a court-ordered committee was formed to investigate the use of force, reflecting a growing concern over police methods in handling civil disobedience.
Indian authorities maintain that while the right to peaceful assembly is constitutionally protected, practical enforcement often deviates from established guidelines. The police can only intervene when public order is threatened, with many officers believing they should have the freedom to use force without consequence, as indicated by a survey in the “Status of Policing in India Report 2025.”
Between January and October 2026, the data recorded 687 violent demonstrations. Notably, during protests in October, over 2,000 demonstrators and nearly three dozen journalists were forcefully detained, prompting discussions about policing protocols and the degree of force applied, which can vary significantly by state and specific circumstance.
During the youth protests in Delhi, the use of AI surveillance technology had been employed to track and identify individuals, leading to criticism regarding privacy and legal grounds for such surveillance methods. Advocates argue that these actions breach civil rights, although the government claims such measures are necessary for maintaining public order.
The discourse around methods of crowd control in India remains contentious, with violent encounters reported and investigations pending regarding the actions taken by security personnel. As further protests are anticipated, questions about the legality and ethics of police interventions will continue to be scrutinized.
Upcoming hearings regarding the protests and the actions of law enforcement are set to take place, with the Supreme Court’s evaluation expected to address issues of unlawful detentions and police conduct.
