DU bans protests on campus for a month citing law and order concerns

Delhi University (DU) on Tuesday banned public meetings, processions, demonstrations and protests of any kind on campus for a month, citing concerns over obstruction of traffic, threats to safety and disturbance of public peace.

In an order dated February 17, DU’s office of the proctor said the restriction follows inputs that “unrestricted public gatherings” could escalate and affect law and order. It also referred to a prior direction by the assistant commissioner of police, Civil Lines, prohibiting public meetings, carrying torches or similar materials, slogan-shouting and speeches that may affect public tranquillity or traffic flow.

Manoj Kumar, proctor, DU in a statement said that 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.

“Assembly of five or more persons, shouting slogans and making speeches, carrying of any hazardous materials, including mashals, beacons/torches etc are prohibited,” the order read.

“The ban takes immediate effect and will remain in force for one month unless withdrawn earlier,” the order further stated.

Mithuraj Dhusiya, associate professor of English at Hansraj College and member of the executive council, DU, called the move a “blanket clampdown”. While acknowledging that protests must remain peaceful and that the university must ensure order, Dhusiya said that invoking “obstruction of traffic” to bar gatherings is unacceptable.

“Whether the administration is trying to curb mobilisations over issues such as appointments, implementation of the NEP, the UGC Equity Bill and the recent suspensions of teachers?” Dhusiya said in a statement and demanded that the order be rolled back.

He added that the proctor’s office cannot unilaterally impose a blanket ban on public meetings.

The order comes after the recent controversies, where two FIRs were registered by Delhi Police last week after a scuffle broke out between two student groups during a protest. On 12 February, a bucket of water was thrown on historian Irfan Habib while he was speaking in a social justice programme.