New Delhi: Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) University in Delhi has sparked controversy with a new order prohibiting protests, dharnas, and slogan-raising against constitutional authorities without prior permission. The university administration’s move, announced Sunday, has drawn sharp criticism from student organisations, who see it as an attempt to suppress dissent.
The order, issued by the Registrar’s Office, warns of disciplinary action against students violating the directive. It follows several unauthorised protests on campus targeting the Prime Minister and law enforcement agencies. The university administration characterised these protests as unrelated to academic pursuits.
“Protests, dharnas, or slogan-raising against constitutional authorities, without prior permission, are strictly prohibited on university premises. Disciplinary action will be taken against students violating this directive,” the order issued by the Registrar’s Office read.
The controversial order has been met with strong resistance from student groups. The Left-leaning All India Students’ Association (AISA) condemned the directive, characterising it as a manifestation of the Sangh Parivar’s (a right-wing Hindu nationalist group) growing influence and authoritarian control over academic institutions.
AISA released a statement accusing the administration of not only attacking students but also undermining the very essence of a university. The organisation alleges that the administration’s response to the disorder exposes its complicity with the BJP government’s broader effort to silence democratic voices throughout the country. “This directive is not merely an attack on students. It is an attack on the very essence of a university. with disorder, the administration exposes its complicity in the BJP’s larger project of stifling democratic voices across the country. Jamia belongs to its students, not to the BJP or the Sangh.”
The memorandum has been widely circulated across JMI’s faculties and departments, directing deans, heads, and directors to ensure students are fully informed.
JMI has a long history of student activism. The university was at the forefront of the widespread anti-CAA protests in 2019 and witnessed subsequent clashes with police forces who entered the campus to control protests. The violent response to student demonstrations led to widespread condemnation and accusations of excessive use of force. The university also saw protests related to the screening of the BBC documentary critical of the Indian government earlier this year.
