Delhi: After Delhi University (DU) issued an advisory asking students and faculty to stay away from "any unlawful assemblies or demonstrations" at Jantar Mantar, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) has now released a similar statement urging members of its academic community to avoid protest sites and act responsibly.
JNU's advisory, shared on social media platform X, stated that, "All stakeholders of JNU's epistemic community are advised to act responsibly and prioritise their personal safety. In accordance with the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India’s directions on public demonstrations, you are requested to refrain from participating in or visiting gatherings at or around Jantar Mantar, New Delhi."
The university further advised students to exercise responsibility on social media, adding that, "Violations may invite legal consequences under applicable laws as well as disciplinary action under the university's code of conduct. You are also encouraged to uphold the values of academic responsibility and responsible citizenship."
DU's advisory on Jantar Mantar protests
Earlier, Delhi University had issued a similar advisory on X, asking students and faculty to stay away from unlawful assemblies at Jantar Mantar, citing Supreme Court directions.
The DU statement said, "Dear students and faculty, your safety matters to us. Please note that any unlawful assemblies or demonstrations at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi, which are strictly regulated as per the directives of the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India, may invite legal action. Such activities can also pose serious risks to students’ personal safety and significantly impact their academic progress and professional opportunities."
It further added that, "Accordingly, all students are urged to stay away from Jantar Mantar and to prioritise their safety and compliance with the law. Furthermore, you are advised to exercise caution, as a significant amount of fake and misleading content is being created and circulated to fuel the situation."
Amid growing discussions over university advisories related to student protests, similar developments have emerged from other higher educational institutions.
IIT Roorkee clarifies viral advisory
Earlier, IIT Roorkee clarified that a viral communication asking students not to support ongoing protests online was not a new directive. The institute told ANI that it was a routine internal advisory issued at the start of every academic session under existing conduct rules and had been taken out of context after circulating on social media.
IIT Madras protest row
Meanwhile, IIT Madras also allegedly asked a recognised independent student body, ChintaBAR, to delete an Instagram video expressing solidarity with students protesting over examination irregularities and denied permission to organise a peaceful gathering on campus.
Despite the denial, over 150 students reportedly assembled independently at Himalaya Lawns in solidarity with students protesting in Delhi over issues related to alleged paper leaks and examination irregularities. The institute had not responded to media queries at the time of reporting.
