Gandhi questioned the university’s authority to warn students against exercising democratic rights and said its officials would be held accountable. His intervention intensified a dispute over the role of educational institutions during the widening youth-led agitation demanding action over examination paper leaks and failures in the recruitment and admissions system.
“How dare you threaten students for exercising their democratic rights?” Gandhi wrote on X, responding to the university advisory. “Please note, you are the ones that will be held accountable when the time comes.”
The advisory urged students and faculty members to avoid what it described as unlawful assemblies or demonstrations at Jantar Mantar. It said protests at the designated site were regulated under court directions and warned that participation in unlawful gatherings could expose students to legal action.
University authorities also cautioned that involvement in such activities could place students’ personal safety at risk and adversely affect their academic progress and professional prospects. Students were asked to comply with the law, avoid the protest site and exercise care while circulating information online.
The warning drew criticism from the Congress and student groups, which argued that its reference to academic and career consequences amounted to institutional pressure. They said the wording could discourage peaceful participation even when demonstrators followed legal procedures.
The university’s intervention came as the Cockroach Janta Party-led agitation continued at Jantar Mantar over alleged examination paper leaks. Protesters have demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, changes to the examination system and compensation for families affected by student suicides linked to examination failures.
The movement began as an online satirical campaign before expanding into street demonstrations involving students, job aspirants, professionals and parents. Thousands have joined protests in Delhi, while solidarity demonstrations have also been reported in Mumbai and other cities.
Tensions escalated after protesters attempted to march towards Parliament earlier in the week. Police used barricades, batons and tear gas to disperse crowds, prompting allegations of excessive force. Demonstrators regrouped at Jantar Mantar despite transport restrictions and tighter security across central Delhi.
Gandhi and other Opposition leaders have supported the protesters and accused the Centre of shielding Pradhan from political accountability. The Congress leader has called for the minister’s resignation and criticised the handling of demonstrators by Delhi Police.
On Thursday, Gandhi joined Opposition MPs during an attempt to visit Gandhi Smriti and express solidarity with students. Congress workers and police personnel scuffled near barricades after authorities said no unauthorised gathering or sit-in would be permitted.
The Centre has sought to contain the agitation by promising fast-track courts for examination paper leak cases and stronger action against officials and criminal networks involved in manipulating tests. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said those responsible for jeopardising the future of students would face punishment.
Protest organisers have dismissed those measures as insufficient, arguing that faster trials will not address wider concerns over accountability, examination security and the commercialisation of education. They have maintained that the agitation will continue until their central demands are accepted.
The dispute has also exposed divisions within the University of Delhi. Several colleges shared social media messages supporting Pradhan and highlighting the implementation of the National Education Policy and other education reforms.
Shyam Lal College and Shaheed Bhagat Singh College were among institutions whose official accounts carried messages backing the minister. Rajdhani College removed a similar post and later expressed regret, saying steps would be taken to prevent a repetition.
Student organisations and societies at other colleges issued statements supporting the protesters. A forum at St Stephen’s College condemned what it described as coercive police action against peaceful demonstrators and said the right to dissent must be protected.
The Quiz Society of Sri Venkateswara College expressed solidarity with the agitation and criticised the use of force against students. The Shivaji College Students’ Union said protesters were seeking accountability, transparency and justice in education.
Some university officials urged students to distinguish between peaceful protest and violence. They called on them to debate, question institutions and participate in democratic processes while avoiding vandalism, misinformation and hostility towards law enforcement agencies.
(IPA Service)
