HC refuses to stay DU protest ban, questions the necessity of such a sweeping restriction

The Delhi High Court on Thursday refused to stay a blanket ban imposed by Delhi University (DU) and Delhi Police on processions, demonstrations and protests on the campus, even as it questioned the necessity of such a sweeping restriction.

A Bench of Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia orally remarked that maintaining law and order was the police’s job. It asked why meetings with “restrictions” cannot be permitted as blanket prohibitions violate Article 19 (fundamental rights of freedom of speech and assembly).