50+ detained at Jantar Mantar over ‘oeservation hatao’ protest

New DelhiOver 50 men protesting without permission at Jantar Mantar under the banner of Reservation Hatao Andolan (RHA) on Friday were detained by the police, following a stand-off with security personnel in the afternoon, officers aware of the matter said

New Delhi

On Friday morning, the protesters, hundreds of whom were mobilised by different organisations representing people from general castes to seek reforms in reservations and quotas, arrived at Jantar Mantar. (Representative photo)

Over 50 men protesting without permission at Jantar Mantar under the banner of Reservation Hatao Andolan (RHA) on Friday were detained by the police, following a stand-off with security personnel in the afternoon, officers aware of the matter said.

On Friday morning, the protesters, hundreds of whom were mobilised by different organisations representing people from general castes to seek reforms in reservations and quotas, arrived at Jantar Mantar despite public statements from the Delhi Police saying that no permission had been granted for a demonstration.

By noon, the Delhi Police released another statement saying the protest had been permitted, but at Ramlila Ground.

In a letter, deputy commissioner of police (central) Rohit Rajbir Singh said, “I have been directed to inform you that your request regarding NOC for booking of Ramlila Ground on 21.08.2026 till 1600hrs. for peaceful protest of maximum of 500 persons at Ramlila Ground for Reservation Hatao Andolan has been considered in this office and we have no objection for the same from law & order point of view...Further, any type of procession/stay is not allowed...”

However, the protesters, hundreds of whom had already gathered at Jantar Mantar, refused to leave and had a stand-off with the security personnel guarding the Jantar Mantar protest site behind multiple layers of barricading. Around 2pm, security personnel opened the barricades.