Minister Athawale calls for sedition action against reservation critics; protesters demand economic criteria

Union Minister Ramdas Athawale has called for sedition charges against those who oppose or seek to abolish caste-based reservation, describing it as a constitutional right. His statement on Sunday (August 23, 2026) comes amid renewed protests at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar and on social media, where some groups have demanded changes to the reservation system.

Mr. Athawale, who leads the Republican Party of India (Athawale), said, “Opposition to reservation is opposition to the Constitution. Those taking an anti-reservation stand are anti-constitutional and stringent action of sedition should be taken against them.” He asserted that reservation cannot be abolished as it is a constitutional right.

The minister’s remarks reflect a long-standing debate in India over affirmative action. Reservation policies, enshrined in the Constitution under Articles 15 and 16, provide quotas in education and government employment for historically marginalised communities, including Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes. Supporters argue that reservation is essential to address centuries of social and economic discrimination. Critics, however, contend that the current system fails to reach the most deprived and that economic criteria should also be considered.

The immediate trigger for Mr. Athawale’s statement appears to be gatherings at Jantar Mantar in Delhi, where a large number of people have assembled over the past few days. Reports indicate that demonstrators carried banners and saffron flags, raised slogans against caste-based reservation, and demanded that economic conditions be given precedence over caste in determining eligibility for government support and reservations.

Delhi Police, however, said on Sunday that no permission had been granted to any individual or organisation to hold a protest or gathering at Jantar Mantar over reservation reforms. In a statement, the police warned citizens against assembling there based on what they described as “misleading” social media posts and advised strict action against those violating orders.

The use of sedition law in this context has drawn attention from legal experts, who note that Section 124A of the Indian Penal Code criminalises speech that incites violence or public disorder. The provision has faced criticism over the years, with many arguing that it is often used to stifle dissent. In 2022, the Supreme Court placed the law on hold pending a review of its constitutional validity. As of now, no fresh sedition cases can be registered until the review is completed, though courts may still take cognisance if a two-judge bench approves.

Mr. Athawale’s demand is likely to be examined in this legal context. Constitutional scholars point out that while reservation is a constitutional provision, expressing a differing opinion on policy is not necessarily an act of sedition. The Supreme Court has repeatedly upheld the right to dissent, provided it does not incite violence. The minister’s call for sedition action may therefore face legal scrutiny, especially given the pending Supreme Court review.

Political reactions have been mixed. Some civil rights groups have condemned the demand, calling it an attempt to silence legitimate debate. Others within the ruling coalition have supported Mr. Athawale, insisting that any move to dilute reservation is an attack on social justice. The protestors at Jantar Mantar maintain that their demand is not against reservation per se, but for a more equitable distribution based on economic backwardness.

As the situation develops, the government has not issued an official response beyond the police statement. The coming days may see further clarification from the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment on whether the minister’s statement reflects government policy or a personal opinion. Meanwhile, the Jantar Mantar protests continue to draw attention, highlighting the enduring sensitivity of reservation in India’s socio-political landscape.