‘How Can There Be A Blanket Ban?’ Delhi HC Questions Denial Of Karni Sena Protest At Jantar Mantar
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The Delhi High Court on Thursday questioned the Delhi Police's decision to deny permission to the Kshatriya Karni Sena to hold a protest at Jantar Mantar on September 20, observing that restrictions or conditions could have been imposed instead of refusing permission altogether.
Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma was hearing a plea filed by Kshatriya Karni Sena president Dr Raj Shekhawat challenging the police's September 15 decision to deny permission for the proposed demonstration against reservation policies and the University Grants Commission (UGC) Regulations, 2026.
HC Questions Reason For Blanket Denial
The court questioned the police's apprehension that more people could attend the demonstration than the number permitted.
“Just because you apprehend that some people will come... How can you refuse them?” the court orally observed, according to reports of the hearing. Justice Sharma also asked the Delhi Police to consider imposing conditions on the protest instead of imposing a blanket prohibition.
The court further asked whether the protest could be shifted to another venue if holding it at Jantar Mantar was considered problematic.
Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma, appearing for the Delhi Police, said the authorities could consider an alternative venue.
Police Cites Sensitive Area, Social Media Reach
The Delhi Police told the court that the decision had been taken in accordance with its standing orders and Supreme Court guidelines governing protests.
The police described Jantar Mantar as a sensitive area and said permission had also been denied to other organisations. The ASG also cited the extent of social media engagement surrounding the proposed demonstration and the possibility that the gathering could exceed the expected numbers.
The petitioner's counsel argued that social media reach did not necessarily mean that the number of people attending the protest would increase beyond the permitted limit.
Protest Planned For September 20
The Karni Sena had initially sought permission to hold the demonstration on September 6. The Delhi Police rejected that request on August 28, citing preparations for the BRICS Summit.
The organisation subsequently changed the proposed date to September 20. On September 7, the High Court directed the police to consider a fresh application and decide it by September 14, while allowing the authorities to impose appropriate conditions in accordance with law.
The police subsequently issued a September 15 letter denying permission, prompting the latest challenge before the High Court.
The proposed demonstration, scheduled from 10 am to 5 pm on September 20, seeks withdrawal of the UGC (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations, 2026, along with opposition to reservation policies.
Court To Hear Matter Again On September 22
After the ASG agreed to obtain instructions on the possibility of an alternative venue, the High Court listed the matter for further hearing on September 22.
The Karni Sena has also relied on a Supreme Court order under which the 2026 UGC regulations were kept in abeyance after the apex court noted ambiguities in certain provisions and the possibility of their misuse.
