New Delhi- Delhi University (DU) has imposed a strict one-month ban on all public meetings, processions, demonstrations, protests, and related activities across its campuses, effective immediately from February 17. The order, issued by Proctor Prof. Manoj Kumar, cites concerns over potential threats to law and order, traffic obstruction, risks to human life, and disturbance of public peace.

The university administration stated that past instances have shown organizers failing to control such gatherings, leading to escalation and deterioration of campus peace. The ban applies to students, faculty, and staff, and prohibits:

Holding of any public meeting, rally, dharna, protest, or agitation.

Assembly of five or more persons.

Carrying hazardous materials, including torches (mashals), beacons, etc.

Any activity affecting public tranquillity or smooth traffic flow.

Shouting slogans or making speeches.

The order references a police directive from the Assistant Commissioner of Police, Civil Lines subdivision along with Ministry of Home Affairs notifications from July 1, 1978, and September 9, 2010.

This move follows heightened tensions over the University Grants Commission (UGC) Equity Regulations 2026, aimed at addressing caste-based discrimination in higher education institutions. Notified in January 2026 to replace the 2012 guidelines, the regulations faced opposition and were stayed by the Supreme Court on January 29.

On February 13, a protest in support of the UGC regulations at the North Campus (near Arts Faculty/Maurice Nagar area) turned violent, with clashes between student groups. Cross-FIRs were registered with mutual allegations of assault and intimidation. Reports indicate involvement of student organizations like AISA organizing an 'Adhikar Rally' in favor of the rules to combat caste discrimination. A YouTuber identifying herself as a Brahmin journalist alleged that she was assaulted and subjected to “rape threats by a mob of nearly 500 people”. Videos shared by AISA members and others showed she made casteist remarks and shoved a woman to the ground too.

The ban has drawn sharp criticism from student unions, teacher groups and civil liberties advocates, who describe it as "undemocratic," a "fascist clampdown," and an attempt to suppress dissent and criminalize peaceful assembly. The Delhi Teachers’ Front (DTF) said the prohibitory order “is a draconian measure designed not to maintain peace, but to stifle legitimate democratic expression,” and argued that it contravenes Article 19 (Freedom of Speech and Expression) of the Constitution. Critics allege selective enforcement, pointing out that earlier opposition protests against the regulations did not prompt similar restrictions.

Social media reactions have been intense. Bahujan rights activist Dr. Om Sudha posted on X (formerly Twitter): "When some people from certain castes were aggressively protesting against #UGCRegulations to maintain discrimination, the university administration had no problem. But as soon as people are democratically protesting in support of #UGC to end prevailing discrimination in the university and establish equality for Bahujans, the administration is troubled. Wherever feudal and Manuvadi mindset people sit on chairs, there anti-Bahujan decisions are being taken."

Other users on social platforms have echoed similar sentiments, accusing the administration of bias favoring "feudal" elements, while some defended the ban as a necessary "precautionary step" to restore order and ensure campus safety.

The university describes the measure as precautionary to maintain law and order. Student organizations have demanded the immediate withdrawal of the order, calling it an infringement on constitutional rights to expression and assembly.