Reacting to the Delhi University advisory, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi accused the university of threatening students for exercising their democratic rights.
NEW DELHI — A day after Delhi University issued an advisory asking its students and faculty to stay away from unauthorised assemblies and demonstrations at Jantar Mantar, several other institutions, including Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), IIT Roorkee and IIT Madras have issued similar advisories.
On Thursday, Delhi University had warned that participation in unlawful gatherings could impact students’ safety, academic progress and future career prospects. The advisory was seen as a reference to the large gathering of students at the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest at Jantar Mantar in the national capital, where protesters have been demanding, among other things, the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged examination irregularities and paper leaks.
In its advisory issued on Friday, JNU asked its students, faculty and staff to refrain from participating in or visiting protest gatherings at or around Jantar Mantar, citing personal safety concerns and Supreme Court directions on public demonstrations.
The university urged all members of its academic community to “act responsibly and prioritise their personal safety.” It also cautioned against irresponsible use of social media, stating that violations of applicable laws could invite legal consequences as well as disciplinary action under the university’s code of conduct.
“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,” the advisory stated.
It further encouraged students and staff to uphold the values of academic responsibility and responsible citizenship.
Rahul Gandhi Criticises DU
Reacting to the Delhi University advisory, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi accused the university of threatening students for exercising their democratic rights.
https://x.com/RahulGandhi/status/2080529163799400724
Sharing the DU notice on X, Gandhi wrote, “How dare you threaten students for exercising their democratic rights? Please note, you are the ones that will be held accountable when the time comes.”
The advisories come amid ongoing CJP-led protests at Jantar Mantar. The demonstrations have intensified following an alleged brutal police crackdown on protesters earlier this week, leading to heightened security measures and increased scrutiny by authorities.
