Police had refused permission for the protest to take place at Jantar Mantar, a landmark in the Indian capital, and the city was in a virtual lockdown to prevent the protesters from reaching the venue.

At least 45 metro stations were shut and Delhi’s main railway stations were shut with major train services cancelled. Many protesters attempting to travel from outside were de-boarded en route.

Much of Delhi looked like a city under siege on Saturday, with roads barricaded and offices, shops and restaurants shut.

The day began with expectations of a major gathering at Jantar Mantar, but only a handful of protesters managed to reach the site before police swiftly removed them.

The road that the CJP had occupied for weeks earlier this summer seeking education reforms remained barricaded at both ends, guarded by thousands of police and paramilitary personnel.

The deployment continued through the day, but little happened at the site.

Elsewhere in the city, thousands of protesters still turned up, including activists and senior lawyers who were all detained.

Student leader Neha Bora tried to march from Dilli Haat to Jantar Mantar but was also stopped and taken away. They were all released later on Saturday.

One woman who managed to evade the police and reach Connaught Place told us: “In a democracy, everyone has the right to protest and to say if we are not happy.

“Peaceful protests have been there for ages. We are not living in pre-independent India. We request the government to let us protest.”

The CJP has called for more protests on Sunday.