Delhi University bans protests for a month after clashes during UGC equity rules demonstrations

Delhi University on Tuesday banned protests, public meetings and processions on campus for one month, days after clashes during a demonstration linked to the 2026 University Grants Commission’s Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions Regulations, The Hindu reported.

In an order, university Proctor Manoj Kumar Singh said that “such unrestricted gatherings” on campus may obstruct traffic, threaten human life and disturb public peace.

The order noted that organisers had previously failed to control such protests, leading to escalation and a deterioration of law and order on campus, the newspaper reported. The ban will remain in force for one month unless withdrawn earlier, it added.

It also noted that shouting slogans, making speeches and carrying hazardous materials have also been barred.

Singh told The Hindu that the ban was imposed following the recent clashes on campus.

The regulations, notified on January 13 by the University Grants Commission, led to protests by some upper-caste students, who argued that the framework could result in discrimination against them. They contended that the rules did not include safeguards against “false complaints”.

On January 29, the Supreme Court stayed the operation of the regulations, observing that their provisions were “prima facie vague and capable of misuse”. It asked the Union government to redraft the regulations. Until then, their operation will remain in abeyance.

On Friday, the All India Students’...

Read more