Delhi’s Jamia Millia Islamia Bans Protests, Sloganeering Without Prior Approval – News18

Last Updated:December 01, 2024, 19:26 IST

The university administration has warned of disciplinary action against those found violating the order.

Delhi’s Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) institution on Sunday issued an order prohibiting protests, dharnas or slogan-raising against constitutional authorities without prior approval on the campus.

The university administration has warned of disciplinary action against those found violating the order.

“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.

This order was issued after the complaints of unauthorised protests targeting Prime Minister and law enforcement agencies were reported. The university administration said that such protests were unrelated to academic matters.

The memorandum has faced strong criticism from student organisations. The Left backed All India Students’ Association (AISA) condemned the directive, calling it a reflection of “the Sangh Parivar’s authoritarian grip” on academic institutions.

In a statement, AISA alleged, “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 circulated across faculties and departments, with instructions to deans, heads, and directors to ensure that students are made aware about it.

The university, which has often been seen as a hub of student activism, witnessed several massive protests, like the Anti-CAA protests in 2019 or BBC documentary screening protests in 2023.

In December 2019, the students led massive protests against the passing of Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in the Parliament. To control the situation, the police entered the campus, which led to violent clashes and widespread condemnation of the alleged excessive use of force. These protests continued into 2020, with students organising solidarity marches with other universities opposing the CAA-NRC policies.

In February 2023, the students planned to screen the controversial BBC documentary, which was critical of the Indian government. The administration had disallowed the screening, which led to clashes and detentions.

(With inputs from agencies)