Delhi Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) on Friday joined the likes of Delhi University colleges and Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) in asking students to stay away from the ongoing student protest led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) over alleged paper leaks and educational reforms.
While DU and JNU have directly warned students and faculty of legal consequences and asked them to stay away from the ongoing Jantar Mantar protest, JMI has issued an indirect appeal urging students to refrain from activities that could jeopardize their academic future.
While welcoming students to the new academic session, the Jordan Media Institute urged them to focus on studies, stressing that “nothing is worth jeopardizing a future created through such hard work, dedication and sacrifice.”
Referring to After Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured that the interests of students will be protected and strict action will be taken against those “who played with the future of students”, the university appealed to students and stakeholders to refrain from any “illegal” activity.
The warnings come amid ongoing protests near Jantar Mantar over alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak, which has led to tight security and transport restrictions in central Delhi.
DU and JNU Notifications
Earlier on Friday, JNU has advised students, faculty and staff to refrain from participating or attending gatherings in or around Jantar Mantar, citing Supreme Court directions on public demonstrations.
In an advisory published on X, JNU urged members of the “cognitive community” to prioritize their personal safety and warned that irresponsible activity on social media could lead to legal consequences and disciplinary action.
The developments also come in the wake of a series of letters issued by colleges of Delhi University on the issue.
Aditi Mahavidyalaya appealed to students to stay away from violence and urged them to express their opinions only through peaceful, democratic and legal means, while Shyam Lal College published a letter expressing its support to the union education minister. Dharmendra Pradhan.
Earlier, Rajdhani College removed a similar post from its official social media account and issued a public apology after it attracted criticism from students and teachers. However, similar messages were later shared by other college authorities, including the principal of Shaheed College Bhagat Singh.
DU teachers criticize notices
The Delhi University colleges’ publications have drawn criticism from teachers’ bodies, which have questioned the educational institutions for taking public stands on a politically controversial issue.
They argued that universities should instead focus on addressing student concerns about the exam system, allegations of paper leaks, and ongoing academic reforms, rather than issuing statements seen as supporting one side of the debate.
Opposition, JNUSU reaction
Meanwhile, opposition leaders criticized universities for issuing such advice. With Lok Sabha leader Rahul Gandhi criticizing Delhi University.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Gandhi wrote: “How dare you threaten students for exercising their democratic rights?”
“Please note that you are the ones who will be held accountable when the time comes,” the post added.
Citing DU and JNU’s warnings, Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharg, wrote on X, “Students are at ground zero, as the Modi government is now using these highly respected universities as propaganda outlets to bully them.”
“Instead of forcing Dharmendra Pradhan to resign and then start a meaningful discussion on the education system, Modi Shah has resorted to discrediting our learning centres,” the post read, adding: “Now you know why our youth are taking to the streets.”
The JNU Students’ Union (JNUSU) also condemned the university administration’s consultation, alleging that the administration was threatening students with legal and disciplinary action merely for exercising their constitutional right to protest.
The student body also alleged that Delhi Police barricaded all the university gates, detained several students on their way to Jantar Mantar and harassed a JNU student. She claimed that these actions amounted to intimidation and called on students to join the ongoing protest.
“The right to peaceful protest is a fundamental right guaranteed to every citizen of this country,” JNUSU said, rejecting the advisory and asserting that the youth movement was driven by issues including unemployment, reduced spending on education and frequent leaking of examination papers.
