Reservation Hatao Andolan protesters gather at Jantar Mantar

Protesters associated with the Reservation Hatao Andolan gathered at Jantar Mantar on August 21, 2026, to advocate for changes to the national reservation system. The Delhi Police had previously denied permission for the protest at this location, citing prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and had instead issued a permit for a smaller demonstration at Ramlila Ground. Security forces, including the Rapid Action Force, were deployed to the area, and multiple participants were detained for violating the orders.

The movement, which began as an online campaign, seeks to replace caste-based affirmative action with economic criteria and calls for a review of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Following the protest, organizers stated that the government had agreed to initiate a dialogue, although the identity of the minister involved remains unconfirmed. The group has indicated that their agitation will continue until their demands are addressed.