Repeal SC/ST Act: Why Jantar Mantar is seeing new protest
What's the story
A large number of people from unreserved classes, mostly young men, gathered at Delhi's Jantar Mantar on Friday to protest against the caste-based reservation system. The protesters demanded that government assistance should be based on economic status instead of caste. They claimed that benefits under the current system don't always reach the underprivileged and are often misused. Holding posters and saffron flags, they raised slogans like "Reservation for the poor, not for caste."
Act repeal
Protesters demand repeal of SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act
The protesters demanded the repeal of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
They argued that while economically weaker sections should receive support, it should be targeted at those who need it most.
"We are not saying that economically weaker people should be left without support. We are saying that assistance should be targeted at those who need it," a protester told news agency PTI.
Twitter Post
Scenes from Jantar Mantar
#WATCH | Delhi: Delhi Police, along with the Rapid Action Force, detain protesters gathered at Jantar Mantar.
— ANI (@ANI) August 21, 2026
A large number of people have gathered here to protest against caste-based reservation.
Protestors say, "We were holding a peaceful protest over UGC and SC-ST..." pic.twitter.com/AQHDpNANEr
System review
Review of policies called for
Some protesters questioned the relevance of the reservation system, decades after its introduction. They called for a review of policies in light of current social and economic conditions.
"The circumstances have changed considerably. There should be a wider discussion on whether the existing framework needs to be reviewed and how economic disadvantage can be addressed without discrimination," another protester said.
Protest organization
Protest organized under 'Reservation Reform Andolan' campaign
Some called for the introduction of a creamy-layer criterion in the reservation and sought changes in policies relating to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward classes, while others opposed the University Grants Commission's (UGC) equity regulations.
The protest was organized under the "Reservation Reform Andolan" campaign, led by NEET aspirant Harsh Dubey.
The General Sena, Chanakya Sena, and Karni Sena also participated in the agitation.
Peaceful protest
Several protesters detained by Delhi Police
Delhi Police and the Rapid Action Force detained several protesters for violating orders barring public gatherings.
According to the police, no permission was granted for any such protest, agitation, or procession at Jantar Mantar.
An official said a no-objection certificate (NOC) was obtained for a peaceful protest at Ramlila Ground until 4:00pm with a maximum attendance of 500 people.