Delhi University bans on-campus protest for a month after backlash over UCG equity guidelines | India News – The Times of India

NEW DELHI: Delhi University on Tuesday prohibited meetings, processions and protests on its campuses for one month, citing law and order concerns days after clashes erupted over the new equity guidelines issued by the University Grants Commission.The order was issued by the DU proctor following a face-off between student groups during a protest demanding implementation of the UGC’s equity regulations, which have been stayed by the Supreme Court.“This order is issued in view of information received indicating that unrestricted public gatherings, processions, or demonstrations on campus may lead to obstruction of traffic, threats to human life, and disturbance of public peace. In the past, organisers have often failed to control such protests, which have escalated and spread widely, resulting in deterioration of law and order within the University campuses,” the notification stated.The order prohibits holding any public meeting, rally, dharna, protest or agitation; assembly of five or more persons; carrying hazardous materials such as mashals, beacons or torches; shouting slogans or making speeches; and engaging in activities that may disturb public tranquillity or traffic flow.The move follows tensions on Friday when rival student groups accused each other of violence and intimidation during a pro-UGC equity guidelines protest. According to the Left-backed student union AISA, some students were allegedly threatened and subjected to casteist abuse by members of a rival group, reported ANI.Countering the claims, ABVP alleged that a female journalist associated with a YouTube channel was assaulted by Left-backed activists. The journalist claimed she was targeted by a mob, as reported by ANI. “The entire crowd came towards me and attacked me. This is clear in the video. About 500 people attacked me. They only have fabricated narratives and allegations. The girls around me whispered rape threats in my ears just because I am a Brahmin; ‘aaj tu chal, tera nanga parade niklega,’ is what they said.”Earlier, DU vice chancellor Yogesh Singh appealed for calm. “I request all teachers and students of Delhi University to maintain harmony among themselves. Do not engage in any activity that increases mutual discord and harms the image of the nation and the university. The incident at Delhi University yesterday is a cause for concern. Students from all states in India and from all communities study at the university. Social harmony is the greatest thing, and maintaining it is the duty of all of us,” he said in a statement shared on the university’s X handle.On January 29, the Supreme Court stayed the UGC (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations, 2026, observing that there was “complete vagueness” in Regulation 3(C), which defines caste-based discrimination, and that it could be misused. “The language needs to be re-modified,” the court said, adding that the 2012 UGC regulations would continue to apply for now.The new regulations were introduced to curb caste-based discrimination and require higher education institutions to set up special committees and helplines to address complaints from students belonging to Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe and Other Backward Classes categories.