New Delhi, September 17, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
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 against reservation policies and the University Grants Commission (UGC) regulations, observing that restrictions or conditions could have been imposed instead of refusing permission altogether.
Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma questioned the rationale behind the police decision, particularly its apprehension that more people than permitted could turn up for the September 20 demonstration.
“Just because you apprehend that some people will come… How can you refuse them?” the court orally observed during the hearing.
The court also asked whether the protest could be permitted at an alternative venue. Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma, appearing for the Delhi Police, said the possibility could be considered.
The hearing followed a submission by counsel for Kshatriya Karni Sena president Dr Raj Shekhawat that although permission had initially been granted for the September 20 protest, the police subsequently issued a letter on September 15 denying permission.
Questioning the blanket denial, Justice Sharma said, “I am asking the State (Delhi Police), how can there be a blanket ban? If you want to put any restriction, then you please come out with them.”
The court asked the police to consider imposing conditions, including changing the venue if required, instead of prohibiting the demonstration.
ASG Chetan Sharma submitted that the decision was taken in accordance with standing orders and Supreme Court guidelines governing protests. He also said Jantar Mantar was a sensitive area and that permission had been denied to other organisations as well.
Explaining the police’s apprehension, the law officer said the level of social media engagement surrounding the proposed protest had led authorities to believe that the gathering could exceed the permitted numbers.
After the ASG said he would seek instructions on the possibility of an alternative venue, the High Court listed the matter for further hearing on September 22.
The proposed demonstration is scheduled for September 20 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and seeks withdrawal of the recently notified UGC (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations, 2026. The organisation has also raised objections to reservation policies.
On September 7, Justice Sharma had directed the Delhi Police to consider a fresh application from the Kshatriya Karni Sena for the September 20 protest and communicate its decision by September 14. The court had also clarified that appropriate conditions could be imposed in accordance with law.
The police had earlier denied permission for a protest planned for September 6, citing preparations for the BRICS Summit. Following the court proceedings, the organisation changed the proposed date to September 20.
The Kshatriya Karni Sena is seeking withdrawal of the 2026 UGC regulations and has referred to a Supreme Court order keeping certain provisions in abeyance after the apex court noted ambiguities and the possibility of misuse.
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