AISA launches indefinite sit-in at AUD, demands revocation of student's suspension

NEW DELHI: The All India Students' Association (AISA) on Tuesday launched an "indefinite" sit-in at Ambedkar University Delhi (AUD) against the suspension of a final-year MA student, who was rebuked for allegedly using "derogative and disrespectful language" for the Vice Chancellor. The sit-in will continue until the university revokes the suspension, the Left-affiliated student group said in a statement.

It said that the AUD administration has responded to its call for revocation by increasing barricading on the campus, restricting access.

"AUD administration has continued to increase barricading inside the campus and entry has been restricted from two of the three gates of the campus. We will be staying overnight inside the campus and will continue this sit in till the revocation of the suspension," the statement reads. The participants called for a secular, democratic, and egalitarian India, drawing parallels between their fight and the legacies of those who sacrificed their lives for these ideals.

In her Republic Day speech, Vice Chancellor Anu Singh Lather claimed that the controversy surrounding Ram Janambhoomi lasted for 525 years and that Dr BR Ambedkar should have been considered a national leader, but his community "miniaturised" his status to that of their leader. The controversy surrounding the suspension stems from allegations against MA Global Studies student Mantasha for using "derogatory and disrespectful language" for Lather.

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Students violated institute's code of discipline

According to the university's proctorial board, the student violated the institution's code of discipline by circulating "critical remarks" about the Vice Chancellor via the university's official email system on January 28. Following an internal investigation, a disciplinary committee found the student guilty, resulting in a suspension order on March 21, barring Mantasha from campus for the 2025 winter semester.

AISA claimed that Mantasha was given less than a 12-hour notice before the hearing, was not informed of the identity of the complainant, and was subjected to an all-male committee with only one female member attending virtually. AISA also accused a committee member of questioning the student's religious identity during discussions on the Babri Masjid demolition. The group also alleged that the university's action was "politically motivated" rather than part of a standard enforcement of university rules.

The protest escalated after a university, through a notice on March 26, banned protests in the administrative zone. The notice specifically prohibited protests from Gate No 1 to the Dara Shikoh Library on the Kashmere Gate campus. The university has now designated a separate area for "peaceful gatherings" requiring prior approval from the Proctor's office.