Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) in Delhi has issued a new rule that bans protests, sit-ins, or shouting slogans against government officials without asking for permission first.

This decision was made because there were protests on campus that were not allowed, including ones against the Prime Minister and law enforcement. The university has said that students who break this rule will face punishment.

What does the order say?

The university's registrar's office sent out a message on Sunday saying that protests or shouting slogans against important government officials, like the prime minister or law enforcement, are not allowed on campus unless the university gives permission first. The message also stated that any protests should be related to academic issues, and any protests not connected to this will be seen as unauthorized.

The university has said that anyone who breaks this rule will face punishment. This rule was made after the university received complaints about protests on campus that were not related to studies and were aimed at political leaders.

Why was the order issued?

The university explained that recent protests, which targeted leaders like the prime minister and police, were not related to education and needed to be dealt with. They said these protests were not part of the university's main purpose and disturbed the learning environment. This decision was made after the university faced big protests in the past.

Strong opposition from student groups

The order has sparked strong criticism from student organizations. The All India Students’ Association (AISA), which is backed by left-wing groups, strongly condemned the memorandum. In a statement, AISA claimed that the directive was an attack on students’ rights to express their views and the essence of the university itself. They said, “This directive is not merely an attack on students. It is an attack on the very essence of a university. With disorder, the administration exposes its complicity in the BJP’s larger project of stifling democratic voices across the country. Jamia belongs to its students, not to the BJP or the Sangh."

AISA further argued that the order was part of a broader effort to suppress democratic voices in academic spaces. The organization has vowed to continue fighting against the university’s move.

JMI’s history of student activism

Jamia Millia Islamia has always been known for student activism. In 2019, the university was a key location for large protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). During these protests, there were clashes between students and the police, which led to many people criticizing how the police used force on the campus.

In February 2023, Jamia students faced a similar situation when they tried to show a BBC documentary that criticized the Indian government. The university stopped the screening, which led to protests, clashes, and some students being detained.

With the new rule, students at Jamia Millia Islamia now have stricter rules about protesting or expressing political views on campus. Many students and activists are worried that this order might limit their freedom to speak out and could stop them from sharing their opinions.