Archive · 21 Aug 2026
Delhi Tightens Jantar Mantar Security Over Unauthorised Reservation Protest
People planned a protest against caste-based reservation at Jantar Mantar.
The protest was advertised online for August 21.
One poster described it as peaceful and asked people to gather at 2 p.m.
One report also said an appeal asked people to arrive at 10 a.m.
Delhi Police said the protest had not been approved.
Small groups still began arriving at the site on Friday.
Police put up barricades and brought in more officers and paramilitary personnel.
Rules already ban demonstrations and gatherings of five or more people in the area.
Police also warned people not to share unverified claims about the protest.
Delhi Police said no permission was granted for the August 21 reservation-reform protest at Jantar Mantar.
Small groups nevertheless began arriving at the site on Friday after online appeals against caste-based reservation.
Police erected barricades and deployed a large contingent, with paramilitary personnel also stationed nearby.
Section 163 BNSS restrictions in New Delhi prohibit marches, demonstrations and gatherings of five or more people.
Police called online claims of approval false and misleading and warned of possible action over fake news.
- Who
- Delhi Police, the Reservation Hatao Andolan page, and people responding to online protest appeals.
- What
- Small groups arrived for a proposed anti-reservation protest that Delhi Police said was unauthorised and had not received permission.
- When
- The police clarification was issued Thursday; arrivals were reported Friday for a protest advertised for August 21. The sources differ on the proposed arrival time, citing 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
- Where
- Jantar Mantar in New Delhi District, Delhi.
- Why
- Online posts and videos promoted the gathering and allegedly claimed or implied that police permission had been granted.
Delhi Police’s Position
Protest Organisers’ Appeal
Permission for the gathering
Delhi Police’s Position
Delhi Police said no permission had been granted for any August 21 reservation-reform protest at Jantar Mantar and described contrary videos as false and misleading.
Protest Organisers’ Appeal
The Reservation Hatao Andolan page shared a poster announcing a peaceful protest and urged people to gather at Jantar Mantar.
Public assembly
Delhi Police’s Position
Police said Section 163 restrictions prohibit marches, demonstrations and assemblies of five or more people, and warned that legal action could follow unauthorised activity.
Protest Organisers’ Appeal
Online appeals called on people opposed to caste-based reservation to come to Jantar Mantar, and small groups subsequently began arriving.
Information shared online
Delhi Police’s Position
Police advised people not to forward or rely on unverified claims about protest permission and warned against creating or disseminating fake news.
Protest Organisers’ Appeal
The campaign used social media to promote the proposed protest; the sources do not establish whether organisers independently claimed that official permission had been granted.
- Proposed protest date
- August 21
- Proposed venue
- Jantar Mantar, New Delhi
- Police position
- No permission was granted for the protest.
- Security measures
- Barricades, Delhi Police personnel and paramilitary forces were deployed.
- Legal restriction
- Section 163 of the BNSS, formerly Section 144 of the CrPC, is in force in New Delhi District.
- Prohibited gatherings
- Marches, processions, demonstrations and assemblies of five or more people are prohibited.
- Online page reach
- The Reservation Hatao Andolan Instagram page was reported to have 5.6 million followers.
Sources
Viral 'Reservation Hatao Andolan' Protest Poster Fake, No Nod For Jantar Mantar, Says Delhi Police
No police nod, protesters still arrive: Jantar Mantar under heavy security over anti-reservation call
Security Tightened at Jantar Mantar Ahead of Protest Against Caste-Based Reservation; Permission Denied by Delhi Police
