Jantar Mantar Protest Intensifies Amid Caste Reservation Demands The protest against caste-based reservation policies at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar continued well beyond the permitted time, despite Delhi Police issuing a no-objection certificate (NOC) for a gathering of up to 500 people at Ramlila Maidan until 4 pm. Protesters, however, remained at the iconic site, defying the time limit and exceeding the sanctioned number. The movement, organized under the “Reservation Hatao Andolan” (Abolish Reservation Movement), has drawn significant attention for its digital campaign and calls for systemic reform. The Delhi Police initially denied reports of permission for a protest at Jantar Mantar, stating no approval had been granted for any assembly, procession, or demonstration there. However, an official communication from the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Central District, later confirmed that an NOC was issued for a peaceful protest under the “Reservation Hatao Andolan” at Ramlila Ground. The police emphasized that the protest posed no law-and-order concerns, though the venue was later changed to Ramlila Maidan, with the number of participants capped at 500. Protesters criticized the sudden change, arguing it was an attempt to restrict their voice. The “Reservation Hatao Andolan” movement, which gained traction through an Instagram page with 5.6 million followers, has adopted protest-mobilization tactics from the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP). The campaign has called for the abolition of caste-based affirmative action, advocating instead for policies based on economic criteria, disability, orphan status, or being a child of a martyr. Protesters at Jantar Mantar carried banners, posters, and saffron flags, chanting slogans demanding merit-based admissions and employment.#delhi_police #university_grants_commission #cockroach_janta_party #reservation_hatao_andolan #ramlila_maidan
