What happened
Delhi University advised students to stay away from Jantar Mantar and comply with the law after a nationwide protest call. The university said unlawful gatherings at Jantar Mantar could create legal trouble and harm students’ safety and academic prospects.
The advisory triggered criticism because Delhi University and some affiliated colleges had earlier backed the Union government’s handling of the issue. Students and teachers said the responses fit a familiar pattern in which authorities dismiss student concerns.
Background and earlier position
Delhi University had earlier said that student anxiety was being exploited by vested interests. Shyam Lal College and Shaheed Bhagat Singh College later posted support for Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and the National Education Policy, 2020.
The university also welcomed the Centre’s fast-track court move in paper-leak cases and urged activist Sonam Wangchuk to end his fast. BJP leaders countered the protest, asked students not to allow opposition parties to hijack it, and accused the Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party of failing to prevent paper leaks when they were in power.
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