Delhi University (DU) is facing widespread condemnation from prominent opposition leaders, including Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, after issuing a contentious advisory warning its students against participating in protests at Jantar Mantar. The university's statement, which suggested potential legal and academic repercussions for students joining the demonstrations, has been widely decried as an an attempt to stifle democratic rights.
In its advisory, DU claimed that the Supreme Court had directed for “unlawful assemblies or demonstrations at Jantar Mantar” to be strictly regulated, and advised students to “stay away from Jantar Mantar” for their safety and compliance with the law. This guidance also cautioned that involvement could “significantly impact their academic progress.”
Rahul Gandhi sharply criticized the university's stance, stating, “How dare you threaten students for exercising their democratic rights? Please note, you are the ones that will be held accountable when the time comes.” His remarks highlighted a broader sentiment among opposition parties and academicians.
Congress MP Deepinder Singh Hooda echoed Gandhi's concerns, directly challenging DU's claim about a Supreme Court directive. “As an alumni of Delhi University and as a law maker myself being a Member of Parliament I totally condemn this misleading and threatening statement from Delhi University,” Hooda posted, asserting there had been no such blanket Supreme Court ruling rendering Jantar Mantar demonstrations unlawful.
Other critics, including MP Priyanka Chaturvedi and various social media users, expressed embarrassment and dismay at their alma mater's actions. Many pointed out that such a warning undermines Article 19 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees citizens the right to peaceful assembly and protest.
The controversy arises amidst ongoing student protests at Jantar Mantar, which have seen groups like the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) continue their peaceful demonstrations. CJP confirmed their protest would persist until Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigns, despite activist Sonam Wangchuk recently ending his 26-day hunger strike, for which CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke expressed gratitude for Wangchuk's “extraordinary courage and sacrifice.”
In a related development, several metro stations in central Delhi remained closed for the third consecutive day due to security concerns surrounding the protests near Jantar Mantar, further highlighting the significant public and logistical impact of the ongoing demonstrations.