After a surge of youth activism in mid-2024, India’s Generation Z protesters now face an uncertain future marked by increasing restrictions on demonstrations and digital speech.
The Rise of Youth Dissent
Cheers erupted at Delhi's Jantar Mantar in July when Gen-Z protest movements forced federal education minister Dharmendra Pradhan to resign—a moment celebrated as a 'youth victory' by participants.
The movement, led primarily by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), spread across Indian cities. It was not defined by caste, gender or economic class, according to Yamini Aiyar, former president of Centre for Policy Research. Even some members of the BJP’s core base—upwardly mobile lower-income groups—were drawn into the protests.
Online Satire as a Tool of Resistance
For many young activists, open mockery of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has become a form of political expression. Sakhi, a student protester affiliated with Delhi University's left-wing group and identifying as they/them, said: 'The fear of repercussions in other generations isn't felt as much in ours. Comedy is a new language to challenge authority.'
This shift marks a departure from past protest movements, which were often dismissed or labeled 'anti-national' by authorities. In 2019–2020, protests against the citizenship law led to the arrest under anti-terror laws of Umar Khalid, accused of being a 'key conspirator'. He remains incarcerated over six years without trial.
Government Response and Legal Crackdowns
The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has defended its actions, with national spokesperson Syed Zafar Islam stating: 'The right to protest and freedom of expression is mandated by the constitution, but it must be done within the law. It cannot override the rights of others at the cost of public security.'
CJP leaders—including Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka—have faced repeated detentions for trespassing at Jantar Mantar. The site was subsequently removed from the list of authorized protest venues, a move being challenged in court.
Other groups such as the All India Students' Association (AISA) have also been targeted under allegations of defying police orders.
A Chilling Effect on Protest
Legal experts warn that prolonged legal proceedings can deter future activism. Ali Khan, assistant professor at Lloyd Law College, said: 'A lot of cases end with acquittals—but it takes years. The process itself is punishment and deters people from participating.'
Vrinda Grover, constitutional lawyer advising CJP leaders, argued that rights have been eroded in the name of public order. She stated: 'Those organising protests repeatedly emphasise they are non-violent. Rights have been whittled down under the guise of law and order.'
Digital Harassment Amidst Activism
Online dissent carries significant risks. Sakhi reported receiving targeted abuse—including threats of violence and rape—after viral social media posts. Some content was reportedly removed after gaining millions of views.
'Making people laugh can turn into being called anti-national,' said Sakhi. 'They want me to feel damaged.' The incident reflects broader concerns about how digital expression is policed in India, particularly for marginalised identities such as transgender individuals.
The Indian government has invoked information technology laws to restrict online speech, though no official enforcement mechanism or public record confirms these actions have been systematically applied across platforms.
As the CJP struggles to maintain momentum, activists say they now face not only legal barriers but also a climate of fear that undermines their ability to protest openly and safely.