Police use tear gas and batons on over 10,000 protesters marching to Indian parliament

More than 10,000 demonstrators gathered in the capital on Saturday, confronting police with tear‑gas canisters and baton charges in what officials described as the largest coordinated challenge to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration to date. The protest, organized by a coalition of civil‑society groups, was timed to coincide with the anniversary of a controversial legislative package that has sparked nationwide debate. Police estimates placed the crowd at roughly 12,000 participants, while independent observers counted slightly fewer; the authorities reported that several hundred arrests were made and dozens of injuries treated on the scene.

The demonstrators, many carrying placards demanding policy reversals and greater transparency, marched through several major thoroughfares before being halted near the central government complex. Law‑enforcement officials said the use of tear gas and batons was deemed necessary to disperse an “unlawful assembly” that threatened public order. Human‑rights monitors called for an investigation into the force used, noting the potential impact on future civic engagement. The episode underscores mounting public pressure on the Modi government and may influence upcoming legislative discussions, though officials affirmed that law and order will remain a priority.