DU bans protests for a month after clashes during UGC protests

Days after clashes during a protest in support of UGC equity rules, Delhi University (DU) has prohibited protests, public meetings, processions, and demonstrations of any kind for a period of one month.

DU Proctor Manoj Kumar Singh on Tuesday (February 17, 2026) issued an order stating, “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.”

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It added that in the past, organisers have failed to control such protests, and have escalated widely, resulting in “deterioration of law and order” within the campus. The order states that it will be in effect for a period of one month, unless withdrawn earlier.

It further details the kind of protests that are temporarily prohibited including holding public meetings, rallies, dharna, protests or agitations, assemblies of five or more people, engaging in any activity that may affect general tranquillity of the public or the smooth flow of traffic, shouting slogans and making speeches, and carrying hazardous materials.

Mr. Singh told The Hindu that it was issued in light of the recent incident on campus where clashes took place, adding, “The order has been issued to ensure peace and tranquillity on campus”.

On Friday, All India Students’ Association (AISA) had organised a demonstration in solidarity with the UGC (Promotion of Equity in Higher Educational Institutions) 2026. While AISA alleged that Youtuber Ruchi Tiwari hurled casteist slurs at its members, the Youtuber said she was allegedly manhandled and assaulted by the protesters. The police have filed two FIRs, after both sides filed police complaints.

The UGC equity rules were stayed by the Supreme Court last month, dividing students and youth into two: with some backing the rules and providing instances of caste discrimination on campus, and others alleging that the rules “discriminate against the general category” by leaving them “out of the ambit of caste discrimination”.