Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) on Friday asked its students to avoid “visiting gatherings” around the Jantar Mantar and warned them of strict disciplinary action. The move comes after Delhi University and the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) released similar statements, advising students to remain focused on their academic commitments instead of joining the protest.
JNU’s official X account posted that it expects students to act responsibly and comply with the Supreme Court’s directions on public demonstrations. They added that they will resort to disciplinary action if students fail to follow instructions.
DU had posted a similar message on Thursday evening, asking its students to refrain from participating in any “unlawful assemblies” at Jantar Mantar. The university mentioned that it prioritises the safety of its students and advised them to comply with the orders from the High Court.
AIU Vice President, Prof Vinay Kumar Pathak, had written to around 1,170 universities, urging them to encourage students to “remain focused on their academic pursuits and not allow their energies to be diverted by calls to protest.”
Three colleges from DU, including Shyam Lal College, Shaheed Bhagat Singh College and Rajdhani College, had also shared posts thanking Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan for his contributions to the New Education Policy and other education reforms.
However, Rajdhani College has now deleted its post and issued an apology on Instagram, mentioning that it respects the concerns of the students.
Shaheed Bhagat Singh College principal, Prof. Arun Kumar Attree, reposted a poster mentioning the Centre’s achievements, adding, “Just came to know that miscreants are using some of the coaching institutes to instigate students to organise marches to create unrest. I appeal to students to not let anyone use them to settle political scores. Judge the last 12 years by facts and achievements, not by propaganda”
However, in contrast, these posts were met with criticism from student unions and societies from the same universities.
A student forum from the St. Stephen College in Delhi University mentioned that it “unequivocally condemns the coercive police action against peaceful protesters, including reported coercive police action against peaceful protesters.”
The appeals come as students continue their protest in light of the alleged NEET paper leak 2026, demanding the resignation of Pradhan.
