Delhi High Court Stays Suspension of Jamia Students, Forms Committee to Ease Tensions

The Delhi High Court has directed the formation of a committee to de-escalate tensions at Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) following student protests over the university’s ban on demonstrations without prior permission. The committee, to be supervised by the Vice Chancellor, will include university officials and student representatives.

Justice Dinesh Kumar Sharma also stayed the suspension of 17 students, who were penalized for allegedly protesting without approval and defacing public property, until the next hearing. The students had challenged the suspension, arguing that the university’s actions were disproportionate.

Senior Advocate Colin Gonsalves, representing the petitioners, contended that the students had a clean record and were peacefully protesting outside the canteen. He criticized the university for siding with the Delhi Police, leading to the students’ detention. Advocate Abhik Chimni further noted that, per university regulations, suspensions cannot exceed two weeks.

Jamia’s counsel, Advocate Amit Sahni, defended the university’s decision, stating that the students had been given opportunities to comply and that their protest was unrelated to academics. He added that no arrests occurred on campus, and the detained students were later released.

The Court, while refraining from commenting on the reasons behind the protest, observed that the demonstration appeared peaceful. It emphasized that student participation in such movements is part of their civic training. Urging the university administration to take remedial steps, the Court ordered the committee’s formation and requested a report from the university.

Until the next hearing, the Court has suspended the operation of Jamia’s February 12 suspension order. However, it clarified that this ruling does not impact any criminal cases filed against the students.