Reservation Hatao Andolan: Thousands Gather at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar Over UGC Norms, Security Tightened (Videos)
Thousands of people gathered at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar on Friday for the ‘Reservation Hatao Andolan’, a mobilisation seeking major changes to the caste-based reservation system and opposing the University Grants Commission’s (UGC) equity regulations.
A large number of protesters gathered at Jantar Mantar on Friday under the banner of the Reservation Hatao Andolan, calling for reforms to India’s caste-based reservation system and opposing the University Grants Commission’s (UGC) equity regulations. The gathering took place amid heightened security and confusion over police permission for the demonstration, TOI reported.
Protesters claimed that thousands had assembled, although there was no official estimate of the crowd. Delhi Police, along with the Rapid Action Force (RAF) and other security personnel, was deployed around the protest site, with barricades put in place to maintain law and order. Delhi Police Files FIR in Pellet Gun Case After Rahul Gandhi’s Sit-In.
Thousands Storm Jantar Mantar Over UGC Norms
Watch the chanting of Hanuman Chalisa at Jantar Mantar. 🚩 pic.twitter.com/ofAkHYgb1u
— RESERVATION HATAO ANDOLAN (RHA) (@rhamovement_01) August 21, 2026
#WATCH | Delhi: A large number of people have gathered in Delhi’s Jantar Mantar protesting against caste-based reservation. pic.twitter.com/oFXJfWBquc
— ANI (@ANI) August 21, 2026
Protesters Demand Reservation Reforms
The demonstrators called for changes to the existing reservation system, with several participants arguing that economic circumstances should be considered while determining eligibility for reservation benefits.
Some protesters also demanded changes to laws related to caste-based protections and raised concerns about what they described as their possible misuse. NEET Student Protests: Supreme Court Sets Up 5-Member Panel To Probe Excessive Use of Force by Delhi Police.
The protest was led by Harsh Dubey, a NEET aspirant associated with the Reservation Reform Andolan. Groups including the General Sena, Chanakya Sena and Karni Sena also participated, while influencer Ajeet Bharti was present at the demonstration.
Security Increased at Jantar Mantar
The gathering was held under tight security, with Delhi Police and central security forces deployed in and around Jantar Mantar. According to reports, personnel from the Delhi Police, RAF and Indo-Tibetan Border Police were deployed, while barricades were erected around the designated protest area. Several protesters were detained as police moved in during the demonstration.
Police had earlier issued a public clarification saying that permission had not been granted for a reservation-reform protest at Jantar Mantar on August 21. The force also warned that prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita were in force in the New Delhi district.
Dispute Over Protest Venue
The demonstration was preceded by uncertainty over whether organisers would be allowed to hold the event at Jantar Mantar or would have to shift to Ramlila Maidan. Delhi Police had initially said that no permission had been granted for the proposed gathering at Jantar Mantar and described social media posts claiming otherwise as misleading.
Organisers, however, insisted on holding the protest at Jantar Mantar. Harsh Dubey alleged that some participants were stopped from reaching the venue and said organisers had been asked to move to Ramlila Maidan. India Today later reported that permission was granted for the demonstration at Jantar Mantar, although the protest had already begun amid the earlier dispute over the venue.
Protesters Plan to Submit Memorandum to PM Modi
Dubey said protesters intended to remain at Jantar Mantar until they could submit a memorandum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. According to the organisers, the principal demand is to reform the reservation system so that benefits reach those they consider genuinely in need. Some protesters specifically argued that economic criteria should play a greater role in determining eligibility. The gathering also saw participants reciting the Hanuman Chalisa and raising religious slogans.
Opposition to UGC Equity Regulations
The protest also focused on the UGC’s equity regulations, which have become a contentious issue among sections of students and other groups. The protesters at Jantar Mantar opposed the regulations and raised concerns over provisions related to caste-based discrimination in higher education. The campaign has also been linked to wider demands for changes in the reservation system.
The issue has gained momentum through social media mobilisation, with demonstrations and campaigns reported in cities including Nagpur, Lucknow, Jaipur and Visakhapatnam.
A Debate That Has Moved Beyond Social Media
The Jantar Mantar gathering marks a further shift in the reservation debate from online campaigns to street-level mobilisation. The organisers and participating groups have said they intend to continue pressing for changes to the reservation system. Authorities, meanwhile, are maintaining security arrangements at the protest site to prevent any disruption and ensure public order.
The latest demonstration adds to the continuing national debate over caste-based reservation, affirmative action and the role of economic criteria in determining access to government and educational benefits.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 21, 2026 11:15 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
