Delhi Police Step Up Security at Shah Auditorium Over Protest Calls

Security was heightened outside Shah Auditorium in Delhi on Sunday after social media posts and videos claimed that permission had been granted for a protest against the UGC Equity Regulations (2026) and the reservation system.

Delhi Police refuted the claims, stating that no such permission had been granted, and warned the public against acting on misleading posts circulating online.

The Deputy Commissioner of Police, New Delhi, advised the public through a post on X not to assemble based on unverified videos and messages. The officer urged citizens not to amplify, forward, or share such content.

According to the DCP, several videos and posts were being circulated calling on people to gather at Jantar Mantar for a protest on reservation reforms.

The DCP clarified that no individual or organisation has been granted permission to hold any protest or gathering at Jantar Mantar on August 23. The police noted that prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), formerly Section 144 of the CrPC, are already in force across the New Delhi District.