Delhi University bans campus protests, gatherings for one month

Delhi University has issued a ban on protests and public gatherings on its campus for one month, starting February 17. The decision comes amid escalating controversy and unrest related to the University Grants Commission’s recently notified anti-casteism regulations, which are currently stayed by the Supreme Court of India following legal challenges. 

As per reports, an order issued by the proctor’s office, the university said that it received inputs that “unrestricted public gatherings” could disrupt campus order, obstruct traffic, and pose safety risks. The directive prohibits all forms of public meetings, processions, demonstrations and protests, including assemblies of five or more people, slogan-shouting, speeches, and the carrying of hazardous items such as torches and mashals. The ban will remain in force for 30 days unless lifted earlier. 

The order refers to an earlier directive from the Assistant Commissioner of Police (Civil Lines), which also barred public meetings and activities likely to disrupt peace or traffic flow. University officials said previous protests had sometimes spiralled out of control, affecting law and order on campus. 

The ban follows several episodes of unrest at the university. Police registered multiple FIRs after a scuffle broke out between rival student groups during a protest over the anti-casteism rules. On February 12, a bucket of water was thrown at noted historian S Irfan Habib while he was speaking at a social justice event, an incident that highlighted the heightened tensions on campus. 

Critics within the university have sharply condemned the ban. Mithuraj Dhusiya, associate professor of English at Hansraj College and member of DU’s executive council, described the move as a “blanket clampdown” on democratic expression. While acknowledging the need for peaceful and orderly protests, Dhusiya questioned the use of traffic obstruction as justification to bar all gatherings and also raising concerns that the order may be intended to stifle mobilisations on issues, including staff appointments, implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP), the UGC Equity Bill, and recent suspension of teachers. Dhusiya has demanded immediate withdrawal of the order. 

The backdrop to this ban is the ongoing dispute over the UGC’s anti-casteism regulations, which seek to establish mechanisms to address discrimination in higher education institutions. These rules have drawn support from student and equity groups but also legal challenges from students of the General (upper caste) category, who argue the regulations are biased. The Supreme Court has paused their implementation pending further review. 

The campus climate remains charged, and university authorities say they will continue to monitor the situation with an emphasis on safety and public order. Many student groups and faculty members, however, have expressed concerns about limits on freedom of expression and the right to peaceful protest.