The Delhi Police issued a no-objection certificate (NOC) on Friday for a peaceful protest organised under the banner of “Reservation Hatao Andolan” at Ramlila Ground. It allows a maximum gathering of 500 people and will be valid till 4 pm, subject to several conditions, the government said.
The approval was shown in the form of an official letter issued by the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Central District. The police do not object to the proposed gathering from a law-and-order perspective, provided that the organisers and participants execute the prescribed guidelines.
The development comes after a similar demonstration in Jantar Mantar on August 21 was confused. There had been reports that permission had been given for an anti-reservation protest in Jantar Mantar. But Delhi police later said no permission was granted for any protest, procession, demonstration or assembly at Jantar Mantar.
In a statement posted on its official X account on Thursday, Delhi police stated that no permission has been granted for any protest, procession, demonstration or assembly at Jantar Mantar. The clarification effectively ruled out any gathering taking place at Jantar Mantar.
With the Ramlila Ground now approved as the venue, the organisers have an authorised location for the demonstration. However, the NOC has certain restrictions to maintain public order and avoid disturbances in the surrounding area.
The NOC states that the crowd will be limited to 500 persons and the protest has to end by 4 p.m. The police have also made it clear that participants will not be allowed to take out a procession or stay at the venue beyond the permitted period.
From time to time, organisers have been advised to follow the instructions and guidelines given by Delhi Police. The permission is also not absolute; it will be revoked at any stage if the organisers or participants do not meet the conditions of the NOC.
The protest campaign has attracted attention on social media, mostly Instagram. The “Reservation Hatao Andolan” page has a big online following and has used digital mobilisation strategies to push people to get involved in the campaign. According to the information available, the page has around 5.6 million followers on Instagram.
The campaign has also been associated with protest-mobilisation tactics like those of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) that use social media to promote anti-reservation messaging and galvanise public participation.
Reservation is still one of India’s most sensitive political and social issues, and supporters and critics have very divergent arguments. Supporters of affirmative action point out that reservation is a useful tool to alleviate social and educational inequalities in India.
Those for and against reservation often advocate changes in reservation policies as they believe future opportunities must be more economic and merit-based.
The Delhi Police's decision to allow the gathering at Ramlila Ground and to deny permission for a similar assembly at Jantar Mantar only shows the need for designated protest venues and law-and-order measures in the capital to be put in place. Ramlila Ground has in the past hosted large political rallies, public meetings and demonstrations.
It can be expected that the Friday protest will attract attention because of the campaign's large social media presence. With 500 people involved and the event limited to a given time frame, the authorities will monitor compliance with the NOC.
PUBLIC NOTICE
— Delhi Police (@DelhiPolice) August 21, 2026
The office bearers of Reservation Hatao Andolan have been intimated through this official communication. All are requested to adhere the lawful instructions and remain peaceful.@lokniwasdelhi#DPUpdates pic.twitter.com/Z5vqaLdH8i
The recent moment also illustrates the distinction between online mobilisation and formal permission for a physical gathering. Social media campaigns can move quickly, but you have to get official permission to hold your demonstrations and meet laws and regulations from law enforcement agencies.
As the protest goes on at Ramlila Ground, how the organisers are able to fulfil the restrictions and whether the demonstration is peaceful will be the key question in the eyes of the police. Violations of the conditions will result in the permission being cancelled, as stated in the police communication.
