The Delhi High Court (HC) on Thursday questioned the city police’s decision to refuse permission to the Kshatriya Karni Sena to hold a stir at Jantar Mantar against reservation policies and the recently notified UGC (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations, 2026. 

A bench headed by Justice Swarna Kanta Sharma questioned why the police had declined the proposed demonstration outright instead of ‘imposing appropriate conditions on it.’

The court asked, “You rejected it? Why? Can this kind of order be passed? Just because you are apprehending that some persons can come? How can you pass this order?” 

The bench was hearing a petition filed by Karni Sena president Raj Shekhawat challenging the police’s refusal to permit the demonstration, which is scheduled for September 20 from 10 am to 5 pm. 

Police cite security concerns

As per the counsel appearing for the petitioner, the Delhi Police had initially indicated that permission would be granted, but later junked the request, citing apprehensions that the gathering could draw a larger crowd than anticipated. 

Meanwhile, Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma, representing the Delhi Police, said the decision had been taken in accordance with the Supreme Court guidelines and standing orders governing protests. 

He called Jantar Mantar a sensitive area and told the court that permission had also been denied to other groups seeking to organise demonstrations there. Sharma further referred to the concerns being raised over the expected size of the gathering and the level of social media engagement surrounding the proposed protest. 

Court asks cops to consider conditions

The HC, however, questioned whether the police could impose suitable restrictions or suggest an alternative venue rather than completely denying permission. Justice Sharma remarked, “I am asking the State, how can there be a blanket ban? If you want to put any restrictions, then please come out with them.” 

The ASG indicated that an alternative venue could be considered. 

Initially, the Karni Sena had sought permission to hold the stir at Jantar Mantar on September 6. The Delhi Police refused to grant the request on August 28, citing preparations for the BRICS summit. 

Subsequently, the organisation moved the proposed protest to September 20 after the HC asked it to consider rescheduling the demonstration. 

On September 7, the court directed the Delhi Police to consider the group’s fresh application and communicate its decision. It had also indicated that appropriate conditions could be imposed on the protest. 

Later, the police rejected the fresh application, prompting the organisation to knock on the doors of the High Court again.

Protest over reservation, UGC Regulations

The proposed demonstration seeks to voice concerns over reservation policies and demand the withdrawal of the UGC’s 2026 equity regulations. 

During the hearing held on Thursday, the court asked the police to consider whether the agitation could be held at another location, subject to appropriate restrictions. The matter has been listed for September 22, 2026. 

Separately, the Karni Sena has raised an issue concerning the suspension of some of its social media accounts. Its counsel informed the court that its Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp accounts had been affected, although the Instagram account was restored later.