Delhi Police grants NOC for Reservation Hatao Andolan at Ramlila Ground, allowing up to 500 people to gather until 4 p.m. on Friday
New Delhi, 21 August 2026: Delhi Police has allowed the “Reservation Hatao Andolan” to hold a protest at Ramlila Ground on Friday after denying permission for a gathering at Jantar Mantar.
The police issued an NOC allowing up to 500 people to gather at Ramlila Ground until 4 p.m. The police said it had no objection to the gathering from a law-and-order perspective.
The permission came after the “Reservation Hatao Andolan” campaign gained attention through social media. The Instagram-based campaign has attracted a large following, with more than 5.6 million followers reported by late July.
No Permission for Jantar Mantar
On Thursday, Delhi Police denied reports that it had approved a protest at Jantar Mantar on August 21. The police said social media posts claiming that permission had been granted were false and misleading.
Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) was also in force in the New Delhi district. The order restricts gatherings of five or more people unless authorities grant permission.
Protesters Asked to Move
Despite the denial, protesters reached Jantar Mantar on Friday morning. Police officials asked them to move to Ramlila Ground, where the gathering had been approved.
The Ramlila Ground has hosted several major political rallies and public gatherings in the past. The latest permission allows a maximum of 500 participants and requires the protest to end by 4 p.m.
How the Campaign Gained Attention
The “Reservation Hatao Andolan” gained visibility through social media amid student protests in Delhi in July. NEET aspirant Harsh Dubey also raised questions about caste-based reservation during those protests.
The campaign says it operates independently and has described the protest as peaceful and lawful. It has also asked supporters to follow police instructions.
Security Increased
Delhi Police increased security around Jantar Mantar and other parts of central Delhi ahead of the protest. Additional police and paramilitary personnel were deployed in the area.
The developments come amid growing social media discussion around reservation policy and show how online campaigns are increasingly being used to mobilise people for public protests.
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