Delhi University lifts ban on public meetings, protests but frames new rules

More than a month after banning public meetings, processions, demonstrations or protests of any kind on campus, the University of Delhi (UoD) has issued rules for students, teachers, and staff members to conduct march, assembly or similar activity within the premises.

According to an official statement, organisers planning any public gathering are now required to submit a physical or hard copy of the application, in person, to the Proctor’s office, University of Delhi , and to the concerned Local Police authorities (DCP or SHO) at least 72 hours in advance.

The application should contain details regarding the name of the organiser, college or department name, contact number, email ID, course name, event details, the university said.

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The document should specifically mention the nature of events such as protest , public speech, dharna, rally, etc, along with the duration, use of logistics, list of speakers, and expected number of participants, it added.

“Under no circumstances shall any electronic communications, pamphlets, posters, notices, social media posts, WhatsApp forwards, or any other material, whether printed or digital, be regarded or accepted as constituting official intimation or permission from/to the University,” it stated.

The central university also said that the organiser, and participants should not invite, bring or allow outsiders, including students from other colleges, to participate in or join any such activity on campus.

“Any violation of these directions will attract strict disciplinary action against the organisers, participants and abettors, which may include rustication, expulsion, initiation of police proceedings and/or any other measures as deemed appropriate by the Competent Authority,” the official notice reads.