DU colleges go online as Delhi braces for CJP protest; restrictions imposed across capital

Several Delhi University colleges, including Shaheed Bhagat Singh College, Satyawati College, and Zakir Husain Delhi College (Evening) have announced online classes today, ahead of the CJP protest demanding the resignation of the chief electoral commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar.

The decision comes as a precautionary measure after Delhi Police closed entry and exit gates across Delhi Metro stations, including Vishwavidyalaya, Dilli Haat-INA and more, until 6 pm today, ahead of a large-scale planned protest by the CJP. Due to security reasons, entry and exit gates at 45 metro stations will remain closed till 6 pm today. However, necessery changes will be made by security agencies after reviewing the situation.

The CJP is holding protests at Jantar Mantar against alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. In a latest update, Abhijeet Dipke, Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka have been detained from inside their flight around 10:45 am.

Ahead of this, Delhi Police reportedly detained seven Muslim Students Federation (MSF) activists, including the general secretary of the organisation’s Jamia Millia Islamia unit, around 12:30 am today.

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DU colleges refuse online classes despite requests

On the other hand, colleges like Lady Shri Ram have refused to shift to online classes despite requests from the day scholars, several posts made by students circulating online reveal.

Moreover, the Delhi University administration has also allegedly informally asked college principals to ensure that classes are conducted offline on October 10, even as entry and exit at 45 Delhi Metro stations remain restricted until 6 pm due to the Jantar Mantar Protest, as per the post made online.

In a separate message, purportedly circulated by the college administration, faculty members, including guest faculty, were instructed to submit a list of students who had not attended classes, following which emails would be sent to the concerned students.

There are also claims that principals may conduct rounds of classrooms to monitor attendance.

The move has subsequently made students question the emphasis on attendance despite the ongoing transport restrictions, particularly confusing those who depend on Delhi metro to reach campus.