Politics
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Jantar Mantar sees anti-reservation crowd without police nod
The Hindu··21 Aug
On 21 August 2026, people gathered at Jantar Mantar for a protest against caste-based reservation even after Delhi Police said no permission had been granted. Police had called social media claims of clearance false. Prohibitory orders under Section 163 were in force in New Delhi district, barring assemblies of five or more. Barricades and a large force were deployed.
Prism
What It Means For You
- If you planned to go to Jantar Mantar, police said Thursday that videos claiming permission were misleading, and Section 163 orders were already in force.
- Anyone trying to hold a legal assembly can note the written NOC that did appear was for Ramlila Ground, 500 people, until 4 pm.
- If you follow UGC campus rules, that 2026 equity regulation is part of the same mobilisation, alongside the older reservation demand.
What's Happening
- An application had been acknowledged by police. The acknowledgement itself said it was not permission.
- Paramilitary personnel were reported alongside Delhi Police at the barricades.
- The gathering is a second attempt to move an online campaign into a physical sit-in after last month's student mobilisation in Delhi.
Why The Venue Fight Matters As Much As The Slogan
- Jantar Mantar is the city's usual permitted protest strip. Ramlila Maidan is a larger ground that police often name when they want to keep New Delhi district clear.
- Section 163 BNSS is the successor to the old Section 144 order against assemblies.
- The RHA Instagram page has been cited with more than 5.7 million followers. A separate announcement was also linked to activist Harsh Dubey.
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