Protest against UGC Equity Regulations in Delhi; many detained by cops

Students protesting the UGC Equity Regulations, 2026, at Delhi's Connaught Place were detained by police. Authorities clarified no permission was granted for the demonstration, citing prohibitory orders already in place in the district.

Protest in Connaught Place; Police Detain Demonstrators

Students staged a protest at Connaught Place's Outer Circle in the national capital on Sunday against the UGC Equity Regulations, 2026, following which several protesters were detained by the police.

The Delhi Police earlier clarified that videos circulating on social media claiming that permission had been granted for a protest against the UGC Equity Regulations (2026) and the caste-based reservation at Shah Auditorium on August 23 are "false and misleading". Issuing a clarification, the police confirmed that no permission has been given to anyone for holding a demonstration at the venue.

"It is further clarified that prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the BNSS (erstwhile Section 144 CrPC) are already in force in the North District. Accordingly, protest marches, processions, demonstrations, and assemblies of five or more persons are strictly prohibited," the Delhi Police said.

Separate Protest at Jantar Mantar Against Caste-Based Reservation

A day earlier, a large number of people gathered at Delhi's Jantar Mantar to protest against caste-based reservation, under the banner of Reservation Hatao Andolan (RHA), demanding a complete overhaul of the caste-based reservation system. They demanded that quotas in academics and employment should strictly be determined by income levels rather than social or caste identities. Additionally, the protesters advocated for a "one family, one reservation" policy and demanded the immediate withdrawal of the UGC's 2026 caste-equity directives.

A large number of people gathered at Delhi's Jantar Mantar to protest against caste-based reservation, following which the Delhi Police and Central Forces were deployed at the protest site to maintain law and order. Security personnel were seen present at Jantar Mantar as protesters assembled at the designated protest area.

The police deployment was carried out as a precautionary measure amid the large gathering. Reservation Hatao Andolan (RHA) is an official Instagram page, which has 5.6 million followers.

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