Delhi Police detain anti-reservation protesters at Jantar Mantar

Delhi Police on Friday detained several protesters who gathered at Jantar Mantar to demand that economic criteria be given precedence over caste in determining eligibility for government support and reservation. The demonstration was mobilised through social media, particularly an Instagram page called 'Reservation Hatao Andolan'. Police had denied permission for the protest at Jantar Mantar, stating that prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the BNSS were in force and that no permission had been granted for an assembly there on August 21.

NDTV reports that protesters demanded economic status be prioritised over caste for government support. Mathrubhumi reports that police and paramilitary personnel were deployed in large numbers, barricades were set up, and tensions rose before detentions. Police had issued a no-objection certificate for a peaceful protest of up to 500 people at Ramlila Ground until 4pm, but protesters moved to Jantar Mantar instead. Some demonstrators claimed internet jammers were deployed around the area, a claim not independently verified.

Protesters, including members of the Akhil Bharatiya Kshatriya Mahasabha, argued that assistance should reach economically disadvantaged people irrespective of caste, particularly in education, coaching and scholarships. They also called for a review of policies concerning SC, ST and OBC categories, and a debate on provisions such as the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Police urged people not to circulate unverified information and warned of legal action over fake news.