The Delhi High Court on Thursday questioned how can there be any blanket ban on protest after the Delhi Police said that it has denied permission to Karni Sena Chief to hold a protest at Jantar Mantar against new UGC Regulations citing sensitivity of the area.

Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma was hearing a plea filed by Dr. Raj Shekhawat against Delhi Police's refusal to grant permission for a peaceful protest at Jantar Mantar on September 20 against the recently notified University Grants Commission (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations, 2026.

The Court was informed by Shekhawat's counsel that even though the Police earlier granted permission to hold protest at Jantar Mantar on September 20, a letter was issued again on September 15 denying the permission.

As per the letter, the police apprehends that more people than allowed will be joining the protest.

On this, the Court questioned the police as to how such an order could be passed.

“Just because you apprehend that some people will come…. On the last date also, I very clearly said that you can put any restrictions or conditions on them and you can permit them. And they will be there only for few hours. They will not be proceeding from there also. How can you refuse them?,” Justice Sharma said.

On this, ASG Chetan Sharma appearing for the Delhi Police said that the decision has been taken citing various guidelines issued by the Supreme Court and standing orders issued to regulate protests.

“It (Jantar Mantar) is a very sensitive area. It is not only them who we have refused. Others also we have refused. It is not that they have been singled out. The amount of likes and social media dissemination is so much, the executive thinks it will overspill,” ASG said.

On this, the petitioner's counsel responded that viewership cannot convert into people coming to Jantar Mantar and that the police has good control over the area.

The Court then asked ASG if the venue can be changed after which Shekhawat can be granted permission to hold protest.

“I am asking you to put any condition. If not Jantar Mantar, then suggest some other place. I am only asking the State how can there be a blanket ban?,” the Court said.

As ASG said that change of venue can be considered, the Court listed the matter for hearing on Tuesday.

Earlier this month, a single judge had directed Shekhawat to submit a fresh application before the Delhi Police seeking permission to hold the protest on September 20.

The proposed protest seeks withdrawal of the 2026 Regulations. Shekhawat has relied on a Supreme Court order keeping the Regulations in abeyance after the Court prima facie found that certain provisions suffered from ambiguities and raised the possibility of misuse.

The 2026 Regulations were framed with the objective of promoting “equity” in higher education institutions and addressing caste-based discrimination on campuses.

The Regulations have, however, faced opposition from some sections, who have alleged that they discriminate against students belonging to the “general” category.

Shekhawat is represented by Advocates Himanshu Sharma, Abhishek Tyagi and Roshan.

Title: Dr. Raj Shekhawat v. State