Delhi Police deny permission for August 23 reservation protest at Jantar Mantar

Delhi Police have denied permission for a protest at Jantar Mantar on August 23, after social-media posts and videos called on people to gather over reservation reforms and the UGC Equity Regulations (2026).

The Deputy Commissioner of Police, New Delhi, asked residents not to act on or share unverified posts. Security was heightened outside Shah Auditorium, while police said prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita are in force across New Delhi district.

Under those orders, protest marches, processions, demonstrations and assemblies of five or more people are prohibited. Police said legal action may be taken against people found creating or circulating fake or misleading information.

The warning follows a large gathering at Jantar Mantar on Friday, where protesters called for changes to the existing caste-based reservation system, including income-based quotas in academics and employment. Central forces and Delhi Police personnel were deployed at the site as a precaution during that gathering.