Union minister Ramdas Athawale has demanded that sedition charges be invoked against those opposing or seeking the abolition of reservation, asserting that it is a constitutional right.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Athawale said protests against reservation, including those at Delhi's Jantar Mantar, had brought the issue into focus. He also alleged that campaigns calling for the removal or alteration of the quota system were being run on social media.
"Opposition to reservation is opposition to the Constitution. Those taking an anti-reservation stand are anti-constitutional and stringent action of sedition should be taken against them," the Republican Party of India (Athawale) chief said.
Athawale said some people were demanding the abolition of reservation, but maintained that the quota system could not be scrapped as it is a constitutional right.
The Delhi Police on Sunday said no permission had been granted to any individual or organisation to hold a protest or gathering at Jantar Mantar over reservation reforms. It warned people against assembling there based on "misleading" social media posts.
Despite the warning, a large number of protesters gathered at Jantar Mantar carrying banners, posters and saffron flags and raised slogans against caste-based reservation.
The protesters demanded that economic criteria, rather than caste, be given precedence in determining eligibility for government support and reservation.
(With inputs from PTI)