Delhi University: After clash over UGC Equity Regulations 2026, DU bans protests, gathering for a month

Delhi University has banned any form of protest within the campus premises for one month. A notice issued by the proctor, has also prohibited any gathering of five or more persons. The order comes in effect from February 17, Tuesday for a period of one month, unless withdrawn earlier.

A few days earlier, clashes had been reported between two student groups over the University Grants Commission (UGC) Equity Guidelines 2026,which have been stayed by the Supreme Court. In another incident, historian Ifran Habib was attacked while delivering a speech at the Arts Faculty.

DU vice-chancellor Yogesh Singh had urged students to maintain harmony.

Delhi University to students: No public meetings, slogans

The notice was issued by the proctor, Rajni Abbi, and said, “The order is issued in view of information received indicating that unrestricted public gatherings, processions or demonstrations on campus may lead to obstruction of traffic, threats to human life, and disturbance of public peace. In the past organisers have failed to control such protests, which have escalated and spread widely, resulting in deterioration of law and order within the university campuses.”

The activities which are banned from Tuesday include the following:

• Public meeting, rally, dharna, protest or agitation

• Assembly of five or more persons

• Carrying of mashaals, beacons, torches or other “hazardous materials”

• Doing anything that affects the general tranquility of the public or the smooth flow of traffic

• Slogans and speeches

The UGC Equity Regulations have seen protests and counter protests across campuses. Last week, Banaras Hindu University show-caused student leaders for participation in a signature campaign in support of the protest. Later, student protests by multiple unions and parties, most from backward castes and communities, were met with police action and detention at Lucknow University.

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Dhusiya said, "Strongly disagree with this notice! It is true that all protests and movements against wrong policies of the government, university and its constituent colleges have to be totally peaceful and it is the duty of the university to ensure this. However, clampdown on protests and movements in the guise of 'obstruction of traffic' etc in the University is not acceptable at all. Questions abound - does DU administration not want public meetings and movements against the massive number of Not Found Suitable (NFS) cases in appointments in uiversity departments or against the terrible failure of National Education Policy (NEP) or UGC Equity Bill or cases of suspension of teachers of DU?"