Jamia approves students’ union constitution; sets May 15 deadline, asks protesters to end stir

Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) has approved the implementation of the university’s student union constitution, setting May 15, 2027 as the deadline for its completion, and directed the protesting students to immediately call off their agitation.

In an order dated October 29, the university said the competent authority had considered a request letter submitted by students on the same day and issued directions regarding the implementation of the Jamia Millia Islamia Students’ Union’s (JMISU) constitution, the conduct of elections and the withdrawal of disciplinary action against protesters.

The university said it would notify the schedule for elections in accordance with recommendations and guidelines laid down by the Lyngdoh Committee on Student Elections after the approval of the constitution. The elections will be conducted within six weeks of the start of the academic session, which is approximately six weeks from July 16, 2027, the order said.

The order further said all ongoing show-cause notices, disciplinary inquiries, rustications and suspensions as well as campus bans issued in connection with participation in the protest should be revoked.

“In view of the above, the protesting students shall call off their protest/ hunger strike with immediate effect,” the order said.

The development comes after a prolonged protest that began on October 12, with students demanding the restoration of the JMISU and the announcement of a definite timeline for student union elections.

The agitation, which included a hunger strike, continued amid a standoff with the university administration, even as the protesters pressed for the restoration of an elected representative body after nearly two decades without union polls.

The order was issued by Registrar Prof M M Rizvi and circulated to university officials, including deans, heads of departments, the chief proctor and the security adviser.