Jantar Mantar protests may invite legal action, DU warns students, faculty

Delhi University has advised students and faculty to stay away from the ongoing protests at Jantar Mantar, warning that participation in unlawful assemblies could invite legal action and adversely affect students' academic progress and future career prospects.

In Short

• Participation may lead to legal action and harm academic futures
• University cautions against misinformation on social media
• Cockroach Janta Party calls for nationwide peaceful protests

Delhi University (DU) on Thursday advised students and faculty members to stay away from the ongoing protests at Jantar Mantar, warning that participation in unlawful assemblies could invite legal action and adversely affect students' academic and professional futures.

In an advisory issued to the university community, DU urged students to prioritise their safety and comply with the law, citing the restrictions governing demonstrations at Jantar Mantar. "Dear students and faculty, your safety matters to us. Please note that any unlawful assemblies or demonstrations at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi, which are strictly regulated as per the directives of the Hon'ble Supreme Court of India, may invite legal action," the advisory said.

The university cautioned that participation in such gatherings could pose risks to students' personal safety and "significantly impact their academic progress and professional opportunities."

"Accordingly, all students are urged to stay away from Jantar Mantar and to prioritise their safety and compliance with the law," it added.

The advisory also warned students against misinformation circulating on social media amid the ongoing agitation. "Furthermore, you are advised to exercise caution as a significant amount of fake and misleading content is being created and circulated to fuel the situation," the university said.

Meanwhile, the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has announced nationwide protests on Friday against what it calls "police brutality" during recent demonstrations, urging supporters, student unions and civil society groups to hold peaceful protests across districts.

The agitation, which began at Delhi's Jantar Mantar on June 20, has evolved into a wider political confrontation after clashes between protesters and police earlier this week. The outfit has continued to insist that Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation is "non-negotiable".

Meanwhile, the Centre has stepped up efforts to break the deadlock, with Union Health Minister JP Nadda reiterating that the government remains open to talks and Union Minister Jitendra Singh saying four formal proposals for discussions had been sent to the CJP leadership.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also addressed the controversy on Wednesday, announcing that the government would set up fast-track courts to ensure speedy trials and stringent punishment for those involved in paper leak cases.

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