The Delhi High Court on September 17, questioned the Delhi Police’s decision to deny permission for a proposed September 20 protest by Kshatriya Karni Sena at Jantar Mantar against reservation policies and the University Grants Commission (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations, 2026.
Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma asked why the police could not permit the demonstration subject to reasonable conditions instead of rejecting the request altogether.
Background
The petition was filed by Dr. Raj Shekhawat, President of Kshatriya Karni Sena, after the Delhi Police refused permission for the proposed demonstration. The protest was initially planned for September 6, but the date was later changed to September 20.
On September 7, the High Court had directed the police to consider a fresh application and decide it by September 14, while making it clear that appropriate conditions could be imposed.
The police subsequently declined permission, citing concerns that the gathering could attract more people than anticipated and that Jantar Mantar was a sensitive location.
During the hearing, Justice Sharma questioned the basis for refusing permission merely because the authorities anticipated a larger gathering.
"Just because you are apprehending that some persons can come? How can you pass this order? If you want to impose any restriction, including regarding the venue, then please tell me."
Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma, appearing for the Delhi Police, submitted that the decision was based on applicable standing orders and Supreme Court guidelines governing demonstrations. He said Jantar Mantar was a sensitive area and that similar restrictions had been imposed on other protests.
The ASG also referred to the extent of social-media engagement surrounding the proposed demonstration and submitted that the authorities apprehended that the gathering could exceed manageable limits.
The Court then asked whether the protest could be held at another location. The ASG stated that the police could consider a change of venue.
The September 20 protest was proposed after the petitioner was asked to reconsider the earlier date in view of arrangements for the BRICS Summit. The High Court subsequently directed the police to consider the revised application in accordance with law.
The protest concerns the 2026 UGC Regulations. The Supreme Court had earlier directed that the Regulations be kept in abeyance and that the 2012 Regulations continue to operate until further orders.
After the submissions, the Delhi High Court listed the matter for further hearing on September 22, 2026, after the Delhi Police indicated that it would seek further instructions regarding the proposed protest and possible conditions or venue.
-300x169.webp)
-300x169.webp)