Universities face backlash for advisories warning students against protests
Three central universities in Delhi—Delhi University (DU), Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), and Jamia Millia Islamia—have issued advisories urging students to refrain from participating in gatherings at Jantar Mantar, warning of legal consequences and disciplinary action. The advisories have drawn sharp criticism from opposition leaders and student unions, who argue they suppress democratic expression.
JNU's advisory, released on Wednesday, stated: 'Please exercise responsibility on social media. Violations may invite legal consequences under applicable laws as well as disciplinary action under the University’s code of conduct.' Jamia's advisory, issued later, appealed to students to avoid any activity not in keeping with the law, citing the Prime Minister's assurance that the interests of students will be safeguarded.
Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi responded on social media: 'How dare you threaten students for exercising their democratic rights? Please note, you are the ones who will be held accountable when the time comes.' Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge accused the government of denigrating educational institutions rather than addressing issues in the education system.
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor noted that even during the JP Movement before the 1975 Emergency, DU did not bar student protests. He argued that most students cannot ignore such stern warnings without fearing consequences to their academic or professional prospects.
The JNU Students’ Union condemned the advisory as 'anti-democratic and anti-constitutional,' calling it an act of intimidation designed to silence dissent. It stated that students are protesting against rising unemployment, shrinking education expenditure, and repeated paper leaks, and that they will continue despite lathi charges and other actions.
The advisories come amid ongoing student protests over various issues, including the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) and University Grants Commission (UGC) regulations.
