Lucknow- In a move that has ignited sharp criticism from Bahujan activists and social media users, Uttar Pradesh Police registered an FIR against Yogesh Pasi, national president of the Suheldev Army/Marshal Samaj organization,a group representing marginalized communities and around 100 unidentified supporters. The case stems from their February 7 demonstration near the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly in Lucknow, demanding implementation of the University Grants Commission’s (UGC) Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions Regulations, 2026.

The FIR, filed at Hazratganj police station under Sections 189(2), 191(2), 285, 352, and 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, accuses the group of unlawful assembly, public nuisance, traffic obstruction, and violating restrictions in a high-security VVIP zone where protests are banned under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023. Police claim the protesters, waving Suheldev Army flags and banners, raised slogans, used abusive language against the administration, and disrupted public order despite warnings.

This rare public show of support for the UGC equity rules, aimed at addressing caste-based discrimination against SC, ST, and OBC students in higher education, comes amid widespread upper-caste-led protests that forced the Supreme Court to issue an interim stay on the regulations in late January 2026. Large anti-UGC demonstrations across Uttar Pradesh and other states saw minimal police action or FIRs in many reported cases, even when they involved road blockages or public disruptions.

The selective enforcement has fueled outrage online, with users accusing the Yogi Adityanath government of bias against Bahujan voices advocating for inclusion and anti-discrimination measures.

Activist Ashish Paswan highlighted the double standards: "UP police has two faces, Savarna society vs SC, ST, and OBC. Massive protests against UGC by upper castes went without FIRs, but support for UGC leads to cases against 100 people. Where is democracy when action depends on caste?"

Other voices on social platforms condemned the move as suppression of Bahujan students and organizations fighting for campus equity. Posts questioned why police swiftly acted against a small pro-equity gathering in a restricted area but often ignored larger, disruptive anti-equity rallies by dominant caste groups.

Reports from Bahujan-led student groups noted detentions during similar support protests at Lucknow University, with users alleging that police "only scare Bahujans" while allowing other outfits freer rein.