DU bans protests on campus for a month amid row over UGC's anti-casteism rules

Delhi University (DU) has imposed a month-long ban on protests within its campus, following concerns that unrestricted public gatherings could disrupt law and order. This decision, communicated through an order from the office of the proctor on February 17, comes in the wake of ongoing tensions regarding the University Grants Commission's (UGC) new anti-casteism regulations. The UGC's rules aim to eliminate caste-based discrimination in academic institutions, a sensitive issue in India's socio-political landscape. The ban raises questions about the balance between ensuring campus safety and upholding students' rights to free expression. Critics argue that such restrictions may stifle legitimate dissent and hinder discussions on critical social issues. As the situation evolves, stakeholders within the university, including student bodies and faculty, are closely monitoring the implications of this directive on academic freedom and student activism.