Delhi protest over reservation system ends with over 20 detentions

Approximately 300 people assembled at the outer circle of Connaught Place to voice concerns about the country's quota framework, according to police officials. The demonstrators carried placards and chanted slogans calling for greater emphasis on economic criteria in determining eligibility for reservations and government assistance.

Protesters argued that support programmes should prioritise economic disadvantage rather than caste-based considerations, contending that aid should reach economically weaker sections across all communities. Among their key demands was the introduction of a creamy-layer criterion to exclude economically affluent beneficiaries and a comprehensive review of the existing reservation structure.

Police said the gathering had not received prior permission for a demonstration at the central Delhi location. Over 20 participants were detained and removed from the site as officers maintained a visible presence during the clearance operation. Police did not provide information about subsequent action against those detained.

The demonstration reflects ongoing national debate about the design and implementation of India's reservation policies affecting Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes.