Protest at Jantar Mantar to Remove Reservation and SC/ST Act

New Delhi, August 22, 2026: A protest by members of unreserved communities at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar on Friday brought the contentious issues of caste-based reservation and the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act back into the national spotlight. The protesters demanded a review of the existing reservation system and called for the repeal of the SC/ST Act, while arguing that government benefits should be based primarily on economic circumstances rather than caste.

The demonstration was organised under the banner of the Reservation Reform Andolan and was led by Noted Independent Journalist Ajeet Bharti. Members and supporters of groups including General Sena, Chanakya Sena and Karni Sena also participated. The protest was also supported by Aarakshan Hatao Janta Party(AHJP). According to media reports, the gathering was linked not only to removal of Reservation & Repeal of SC ST Act, but also to opposition to recent UGC equity regulations.

The protesters argued that economic hardship should be the principal criterion for providing government assistance and opportunities. They said economically weaker people should receive support irrespective of their caste and called for a broader review of reservation policies in view of changing social and economic conditions. Practically there are 2 options before the Government-either to abolish the Reservation completely or to link the Reservations to Economic Criteria instead of Caste criteria.

A major demand raised during the demonstration was the repeal of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989. Protesters alleged that stringent legal provisions are misused in almost 100% cases and demanded Repeal of this unconstitutional law.

The protest also witnessed slogans and displays supporting reform of the reservation system. Some participants called for the introduction of stronger economic criteria and a review of how reservation benefits are distributed. Different Media Reports reported more than 500 people associated with the Reservation Hatao Andolan gathered at Jantar Mantar, while other reports described a larger gathering. Officials did not provide an independent crowd estimate.

Security arrangements were strengthened around Jantar Mantar, with Delhi Police and other security personnel deployed at the site. Reports also said that several protesters were detained after questions arose over permission for the gathering. According to a police statement, permission had been granted for a peaceful protest at Ramlila Ground with a specified attendance limit, rather than for the gathering at Jantar Mantar.

The demonstration has once again highlighted the deep and often polarising debate surrounding the unconstitutional reservation started by Congress Party which is continued by other political parties shamelessly without any constitutional mandate. Constitution of India mandates Equal Treatment for all Citizens of India whereas the Reservation and SC ST Act provide Special Treatment to SC ST and OBC Communities at the cost of General Category Communities.

The Jantar Mantar protest is therefore likely to add fresh momentum to the wider national discussion on abolition of reservation system as well as Repeal of SC ST Act. Any political party not willing to remove both these unconstitutional acts, will be wiped out from the political system as General Category people constitute more than 40% population of voters. Apart from this, General Catogory people act as influencers in the Society and conclusively, it is General Category people who decide that who will ultimately rule the country.

Aarakshan Hatao Janta Party has indicated that if no political party will come out openly in support of removal of Reservation and SC ST Act, then the Party may contest on all Seats in forthcoming Assembly Elections in UP in 2027 and also in Loksabha Elections in 2029.

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