Those frustrations are at the heart of the rise of the Cockroach Janta Party, or CJP, founded by Dipke.

Although the chief justice later withdrew his comment, Dipke embraced the label, turning the cockroach into the movement’s symbol.

Monday’s turnout reflected how quickly the movement has grown since its first protest in June, when it was little more than a fledgling online campaign. Since then, it has spread to cities across India, drawing support from students, professionals, activists and opposition politicians.

By evening, however, the mood had shifted.

Police in riot gear entered Jantar Mantar and announced over loudspeakers that protesters no longer had permission to remain. Officers then began pushing people back, prompting some demonstrators to flee while others linked arms and refused to leave.

There was also brief confusion over Dipke’s whereabouts after the CJP initially said he had been detained. The group later clarified that police had attempted to take him into custody but protesters had prevented it. Delhi Police later denied the claims, calling the allegations “entirely false”.