Police Detain Over 20 as 300 Protest Reservation System at Connaught Place
Delhi Police detained over 20 people after a crowd of around 300 gathered at Connaught Place's outer circle on Sunday to protest against caste-based reservation and demand reforms to the existing quota system.
Officials stated that the gathering was cleared because organizers had not received permission to stage a demonstration at the site. Police maintained a presence in the area as the detained protesters were removed and the outer circle was cleared.
Demonstrators carrying placards and raising slogans urged authorities to prioritize economic criteria over caste when determining eligibility for reservation and government assistance. They argued that state support should be directed toward economically disadvantaged citizens across all communities.
A key demand raised during the protest was the implementation of a creamy-layer criterion and a formal review of the reservation framework. Protesters sought policy revisions concerning Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes.
"We are not against reservation. We want reforms in reservation. The government should understand that poor people from all communities also face difficulties and their concerns should be heard," a protester said. Another participant noted that the quota framework should be examined to ensure benefits reach individuals who genuinely require support.
The demonstrators also voiced objections to the University Grants Commission framework and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, seeking a broader review of regulations they argued affect opportunities in higher education and employment.
The demonstration stemmed from an online mobilization led by the "Reservation Hatao Andolan," an Instagram page with around 5.6 million followers that called on supporters to join a physical gathering in the capital.
Two days prior to the Connaught Place gathering, hundreds had assembled at Jantar Mantar following the same campaign's call, where police also detained several participants. A separate, police-approved demonstration under the same banner had been permitted at Ramlila Ground for up to 500 people until 4 pm.
