Archive · 18 Sep 2026
High Court Questions Delhi Police Denial of Karni Sena Protest
Kshatriya Karni Sena wanted to hold a protest in Delhi.
It planned to discuss reservation policies and University Grants Commission regulations.
The group wanted to meet at Jantar Mantar on September 20.
Delhi Police first gave permission but later took it back.
The police said Jantar Mantar is a sensitive place and worried that too many people might attend.
The High Court questioned why the protest was completely stopped.
The judge said the police could have created rules, limits, or chosen another place.
The police was asked to consider another venue and return to court on September 22.
The Delhi High Court questioned Delhi Police for denying Kshatriya Karni Sena permission to protest at Jantar Mantar.
The protest was planned for September 20 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. against reservation and University Grants Commission regulations.
Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma said restrictions, conditions, or an alternative venue could have been considered instead of a blanket denial.
Delhi Police cited Standing Orders, Supreme Court guidelines, Jantar Mantar’s sensitive status, and concerns that the gathering could overspill.
Police had initially granted permission before withdrawing it in a September 15 letter; the court directed the police to return on September 22.
- Who
- Kshatriya Karni Sena, represented by its president Dr Raj Shekhawat, sought permission from Delhi Police; Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma heard the matter.
- What
- The Delhi High Court questioned Delhi Police’s decision to withdraw and deny permission for the group’s protest.
- When
- The hearing occurred on Thursday; the protest was planned for September 20, and Delhi Police was directed to return on September 22.
- Where
- The proposed protest was to be held at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi; the hearing took place in the Delhi High Court.
- Why
- The organisation wanted to protest reservation policies and University Grants Commission regulations. Police cited protest-related Standing Orders, Supreme Court guidelines, Jantar Mantar’s sensitive status, and concerns about the gathering exceeding permitted numbers.
High Court’s Concerns
Delhi Police’s Justification
Blanket denial
High Court’s Concerns
Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma questioned how the police could refuse permission altogether and said conditions or restrictions should have been specified.
Delhi Police’s Justification
Delhi Police denied permission, relying on Standing Orders and Supreme Court guidelines governing protests.
Expected turnout
High Court’s Concerns
The court questioned whether the possibility of additional participants justified refusing the protest entirely.
Delhi Police’s Justification
Police said extensive social-media attention raised concerns that the gathering could overspill beyond the permitted number.
Venue
High Court’s Concerns
The court suggested that conditions, including changing the venue, could be considered instead of prohibiting the demonstration.
Delhi Police’s Justification
The police described Jantar Mantar as a sensitive area and indicated that an alternative venue could be considered.
- Organiser
- Kshatriya Karni Sena
- President
- Dr Raj Shekhawat
- Proposed venue
- Jantar Mantar, New Delhi
- Proposed timing
- September 20, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Protest issues
- Reservation policies and University Grants Commission regulations
- Police rationale
- Standing Orders, Supreme Court guidelines, Jantar Mantar’s sensitive status, and concern about the gathering overspilling
- Earlier permission
- Permission was initially granted and later withdrawn through a September 15 letter
- Next court date
- Delhi Police was directed to return on September 22
