The Delhi High Court on Thursday questioned the Delhi Police over its decision to deny permission to the Kshatriya Karni Sena to hold a protest at Jantar Mantar against the 2026 UGC regulations.
Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma, while hearing a petition by Kshatriya Karni Sena president Raj Shekhawat, was told by the petitioner’s lawyer that the Delhi Police has revoked its earlier approval on holding the protest at Jantar Mantar on September 20.
“I am asking the State, how can there be a blanket ban? If you want to put any restrictions, including the venue, please tell me,” the judge said.
Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma said no permission is being given for protests at Jantar Mantar as the venue is in a “sensitive area”.
He added that besides space, concerns over the amount of “likes and social media dissemination and engagement” also weighed with the executive while making a decision in the case.
“Can this kind of an order be passed? Just because you are apprehending that some persons can come? How can you refuse them? If you do not want them to protest at Jantar Mantar, then suggest some other place,” the court said.
Mr Sharma said he would come back with instructions on providing an alternative protest site. The court listed the case for hearing on September 22.
On September 7, the court had directed the Delhi Police to decide within a week on Mr Shekhawat’s plea seeking permission to hold a protest opposing the University Grants Commission (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations, 2026, at Jantar Mantar.
Mr Shekhawat’s counsel had earlier said the peaceful protest was proposed for the purpose of “expressing views and grievances concerning reservation policies and matters relating to the new UGC framework”.
Published – September 18, 2026 01:00 am IST
