Delhi University Bans Protests for One Month, Students and Teachers Demand Reversal

Delhi University has banned all public meetings and protests for one month, starting February 17, 2026. This ban is longer than previous ones and affects students and teachers.
By Newsroom | Education, Delhi |

A recent order by Delhi University (DU), imposing a one-month ban on public meetings, processions, and protests on its campus, has triggered significant backlash. Student and teacher organizations are demanding the university retract the order, arguing it curtails fundamental rights and stifles academic discourse. The ban follows incidents of protests and concerns over law and order, though critics contend the university's response is disproportionate and hinders legitimate expression.

DU must roll back ban on protests, demand student groups - 1

Background of the Ban and Protests

On February 17, 2026, Delhi University announced a month-long prohibition on various forms of public assembly on its campus. This decision was communicated via an official order, effective immediately and remaining in force for a month unless rescinded earlier. The university cited law and order concerns as the primary justification for this measure.

DU must roll back ban on protests, demand student groups - 2

  • Specific prohibitions outlined in the order include:

  • Assembly of five or more persons.

  • Shouting slogans.

  • Making speeches.

  • Carrying hazardous materials, including torches or beacons.

  • Any activity that may disrupt traffic or public tranquility.

This action occurred in the wake of recent protests on campus, including demonstrations related to UGC Equity Regulations and anti-discrimination mechanisms. A notable incident, a violent confrontation involving student groups near the Arts Faculty on February 13, 2026, is understood to be a contributing factor to the ban. The National Human Rights Commission has also issued notices to the Delhi Police and DU's Vice Chancellor concerning the alleged assault of a female journalist during a protest on February 13, 2026.

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DU must roll back ban on protests, demand student groups - 3

Student and Teacher Resistance

The ban has been met with strong opposition from various student and teacher groups, who view it as an infringement on democratic rights and academic freedom.

DU must roll back ban on protests, demand student groups - 4

  • Student Organizations:

  • The Students' Federation of India (SFI), Delhi State Committee, stated that if the administration is concerned about peace, it should act against those who instigate violence.

  • The Krantikari Yuva Sangathan (KYS) condemned the notice, calling the university's reasons, such as traffic disruption, "vague and lame." KYS, along with other organizations, held a press conference to voice their opposition and demanded the order's immediate revocation and an apology.

  • The All India Democratic Students’ Organisation (AIDSO), through its DU in-charge Adrika, described the ban as an attempt to "smother all forms of debate, discussion and healthy dialogue." They reported that their posters were torn by DU security personnel.

  • Teacher Associations:

  • The DU Teachers' Association appealed to the administration to reconsider its order, noting that such a comprehensive ban had not been imposed in the university's history. They specifically requested exemptions for social and cultural events.

"If the university administration is genuinely concerned about maintaining peace and public order, it must act decisively against those who instigated and carried out acts of violence." - Students’ Federation of India (SFI), Delhi State Committee

"The move amounted to a clampdown on dissent." - Mithuraj Dhusiya, Senior Executive Council member, DU.

University's Justification and Counterarguments

The university administration, represented by figures such as Manoj Kumar, proctor of DU, has defended the ban by citing past experiences.

  • Proctor's Statement: Manoj Kumar stated that in the past, organizers have often failed to control protests, leading to escalations and a deterioration of law and order within the campus.

  • Concerns over Escalation: The university's order noted that organizers had failed to control protests that allegedly escalated and disrupted normal functioning.

  • Traffic and Public Order: While acknowledging concerns about traffic disruption, critics like Mithuraj Dhusiya, an associate professor and executive council member, argued that a "blanket ban" in the name of traffic obstruction is unacceptable.

"In the past, organisers often failed to control such protests, which escalated and spread widely, resulting in deterioration of law and order within the university campus." - Manoj Kumar, Proctor, DU.

The university's proctor's office has also acknowledged that it cannot unilaterally impose a blanket ban, a statement that appears to contradict the issued order.

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Analysis of Implications

The month-long ban on protests at Delhi University raises critical questions about the balance between maintaining order and upholding democratic freedoms.

  • Impact on Academic Discourse: Critics argue the ban impedes students' ability to raise academic and equity-related issues through peaceful assembly, potentially silencing important debates.

  • Rights and Regulations: The move has been labeled "unconstitutional" and "anti-student" by some groups, who see it as a violation of the fundamental right to peaceful dissent. The KYS specifically linked the ban to the university administration targeting specific groups.

  • Historical Precedent: The DU Teachers' Association highlighted that such a comprehensive ban is unprecedented in the university's history, suggesting a significant shift in policy.

The ban, in effect, prevents gatherings of five or more people, slogan-shouting, and speeches, which are typical forms of expression used by student and social groups to voice their concerns on various issues, including academic regulations and social justice.

Conclusion

Delhi University's decision to impose a month-long ban on protests has ignited a significant debate concerning academic freedom and democratic expression. Student and teacher organizations are unified in their demand for the revocation of the order, deeming it overly restrictive and a blow to fundamental rights. While the university cites law and order concerns, including a recent violent clash, opponents argue that the blanket prohibition is an excessive measure that stifles necessary dialogue and dissent. The situation underscores a broader tension between institutional control and the rights of individuals within educational spaces. The validity and justification of such a sweeping ban, particularly when criticized as unprecedented, remain a central point of contention.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Delhi University ban protests on campus starting February 17, 2026?
Delhi University banned public meetings, processions, and protests for one month from February 17, 2026, because of concerns about law and order and a recent violent clash on campus.
Q: What specific activities are banned at Delhi University during this month?
The ban stops groups of five or more people from gathering, shouting slogans, making speeches, or carrying items that could cause disruption. It aims to prevent anything that might disturb traffic or public peace.
Q: How are students and teachers reacting to the protest ban?
Student and teacher groups like SFI and KYS strongly oppose the ban, calling it a violation of basic rights and academic freedom. They are demanding that the university cancel the order and apologize.
Q: What reasons do student groups give for opposing the ban?
Groups like KYS say the reasons given for the ban, such as traffic disruption, are vague. They believe the ban is an attempt to stop all forms of debate and protest on campus and is unconstitutional.
Q: What is the university's reason for the ban, according to the Proctor?
Manoj Kumar, the Proctor of Delhi University, stated that in the past, protest organizers have often failed to control gatherings, leading to violence and a breakdown of law and order on campus.
Q: Is this protest ban usual for Delhi University?
No, the DU Teachers' Association noted that such a complete ban on protests has never happened before in the university's history, making this move unprecedented.