Archive · 21 Aug 2026
Reservation Hatao Protesters Refuse Police Order to Leave Jantar Mantar
A group called Reservation Hatao Andolan held a protest in Delhi.
The protesters opposed caste-based reservation.
Many wanted affirmative action to be based on people’s economic situation instead.
They gathered at Jantar Mantar, even though police said the protest had not been approved there.
Police asked them to move to Ramlila Ground.
Police later allowed up to 500 people to protest peacefully at that alternative location until 4 p.m.
The organisers said they would not leave Jantar Mantar.
This created a disagreement between the protesters and the police over where the demonstration could take place.
Hundreds gathered at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar on Friday, August 21, to protest caste-based reservation.
Many protesters demanded that affirmative action be based on economic criteria rather than caste.
Delhi Police said no permission had been granted for a demonstration at Jantar Mantar and deployed heavy security.
Police issued an NOC for up to 500 people to protest peacefully at Ramlila Ground until 4 p.m.
Organisers refused to move, saying they would set up their stage at Jantar Mantar as the crowd grew.
- Who
- Protesters associated with Reservation Hatao Andolan and the Delhi Police.
- What
- A standoff over the protesters’ demand to hold an anti-reservation demonstration at Jantar Mantar.
- When
- Friday, August 21; the police authorization for the alternative venue lasted until 4 p.m.
- Where
- Jantar Mantar in Delhi, with Ramlila Ground offered as the alternative venue.
- Why
- The protesters opposed caste-based reservation, while many called for affirmative action to be based on economic criteria rather than caste.
Reservation Hatao Protesters
Delhi Police
Location of protest
Reservation Hatao Protesters
Organisers said they would remain at Jantar Mantar and set up their stage there as the crowd increased.
Delhi Police
Police said no permission had been granted for a demonstration at Jantar Mantar and asked the protesters to move to Ramlila Ground.
Permission and conditions
Reservation Hatao Protesters
The protesters continued their demonstration at Jantar Mantar despite the venue dispute.
Delhi Police
Police issued an NOC for a peaceful gathering of up to 500 people at Ramlila Ground until 4 p.m., while prohibiting processions or staying beyond the stated instructions.
Purpose of the demonstration
Reservation Hatao Protesters
The group protested against caste-based reservation and supported changing affirmative-action criteria.
Delhi Police
Police focused on venue authorization, security arrangements and compliance with law-and-order instructions.
- Protest group
- Reservation Hatao Andolan
- Protest issue
- Opposition to caste-based reservation
- Protest date
- Friday, August 21
- Initial venue
- Jantar Mantar, Delhi
- Alternative venue
- Ramlila Ground
- Authorized capacity
- Up to 500 people
- Authorization period
- Until 4 p.m. on Friday
