Delhi Police denies permission for reservation reform protest at Jantar Mantar

New Delhi, August 23: The Delhi Police has stated that no permission has been granted to any individual or organisation to hold a protest or gathering at Jantar Mantar over reservation reforms. The police have also warned citizens against assembling at the site based on what they describe as “misleading” social media posts.

In an official statement issued on Sunday, the police said that prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), which replaces the earlier Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), are already in force in the New Delhi district. Under these orders, protest marches, processions, demonstrations, and assemblies of five or more persons are prohibited in the area.

The announcement comes in the wake of several videos and posts circulating on social media platforms, urging people to gather at Jantar Mantar on Sunday to voice concerns over proposed changes to reservation policies. While the exact nature of these reforms has not been specified in the police statement, the issue has generated significant public debate in recent weeks.

Jantar Mantar, a historic observatory in central Delhi, has long been a designated site for peaceful protests and civil society demonstrations. However, authorities often impose restrictions in the area to prevent disruption of public order and to ensure the safety of both protesters and the general public. The use of Section 163 of the BNSS is part of these preventive measures, allowing law enforcement agencies to restrict gatherings when there is a perceived risk of disturbance or law and order problems.

The Delhi Police have advised citizens not to act on unverified social media posts or videos that call for gatherings at Jantar Mantar. “Citizens are advised not to gather on the basis of such posts or videos and not to forward, share, or amplify unverified content,” the statement read. The police have also cautioned that appropriate legal action will be taken against those found creating, circulating, or disseminating fake or misleading information.

The police have appealed to the public to rely only on verified information and official announcements. They have urged people to cooperate with authorities in maintaining peace and order in the national capital. This is not the first time that protest calls have been made over policy matters via social media, and law enforcement agencies have consistently urged citizens to verify the authenticity of such calls before responding.

Legal experts note that while the right to peaceful assembly is a fundamental right under Article 19 of the Constitution, it is subject to reasonable restrictions in the interest of public order, decency, and morality. Section 163 of the BNSS empowers authorities to issue orders in emergencies or when there is a threat to public peace. The provision allows for the imposition of curbs on movement and assembly for a limited period, provided such actions are lawful and proportionate.

In recent years, similar prohibitory orders have been imposed at Jantar Mantar during periods of heightened tension or when multiple protest groups have attempted to hold simultaneous demonstrations, leading to congestion and safety risks. The current restrictions have been put in place as a precautionary measure, according to the police.

Reservation reforms remain a sensitive issue in India, with various communities and political parties holding strong opinions on the matter. The government has not yet officially confirmed the details of any such reforms, and the police action appears to be based on anticipated public response to social media calls rather than an immediate incident. The police have reiterated that they are committed to upholding the law while ensuring that all citizens can exercise their rights peacefully and within legal boundaries.

Authorities have also requested media platforms and social media users to exercise restraint and verify facts before sharing any information related to protests or gatherings. The Delhi Police have set up helplines for citizens seeking clarification, and they have encouraged the public to approach local police stations if they have any doubts regarding the prohibitory orders or the credibility of any circulating message.

As the day progresses, law enforcement personnel have been deployed in significant numbers around Jantar Mantar and nearby areas to maintain surveillance and to implement the restrictions. No untoward incident has been reported so far, and the situation remains calm, according to officials.