Delhi University Bans All Protests and Gatherings for One Month
DU restricts all demonstrations and rallies for a month citing safety concerns after journalist attack during protest.
Delhi University (DU) on Tuesday issued a one-month ban on all public meetings, protests, demonstrations, and processions across its campus, effective from February 17, 2026. The order, issued by University Proctor Prof. Manoj Kumar, applies to students, faculty, and staff, citing risks to human life, obstruction of traffic, and potential public disorder.
The directive references prior incidents where protests on campus escalated, causing law and order challenges. It also aligns with an earlier December 26, 2025, order from the Assistant Commissioner of Police, Sub-Division Civil Lines, which restricted gatherings that could disrupt public peace or traffic flow on university premises.
The ban follows a recent NHRC notice to the North Delhi Deputy Commissioner of Police and DU Vice Chancellor regarding the alleged assault of a female journalist during a protest on February 13 at the North Campus. The journalist, reportedly targeted due to her caste identity, was verbally abused, physically attacked, and threatened, raising concerns over caste-based violence and press freedom.
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The move has sparked criticism from DU faculty members. Senior Executive Council member Mithuraj Dhusiya described the ban as a clampdown on democratic dissent, arguing that peaceful protests against issues like non-functional selection cases, the National Education Policy, and teacher suspensions should be allowed while ensuring campus safety.
Critics also questioned the administration’s intent, suggesting that the ban could be used to prevent protests on contentious policies and governance issues. Dhusiya urged that the order be immediately rolled back to allow students and faculty to exercise their democratic rights responsibly.
The university administration, however, maintains that the prohibition is a preventive measure aimed at ensuring safety, public order, and uninterrupted academic functioning, emphasizing that violations could attract disciplinary and legal consequences.
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