The Delhi High Court has intervened to pause the suspension of 17 Jamia Millia Islamia students who took part in a campus protest, expressing concern over how the university managed the demonstration, which appeared to be peaceful.
Justice Dinesh Kumar Sharma directed the university to form a committee under the Vice-Chancellor’s supervision to address the issue, allowing student representatives to be involved. Until further proceedings, the suspension order issued on February 12 has been put on hold.
The court noted that while it was not delving into the reasons behind the protest, documents presented by the petitioners suggested the demonstration was non-violent. The students were suspended after gathering outside the canteen to mark the anniversary of a controversial police crackdown on campus.
Arguments from both sides painted contrasting pictures—students’ representatives called the action “highly disproportionate,” arguing that no hearing was granted before the suspension. The university, however, claimed that ample opportunity was provided and that the protest, unrelated to academics, lacked prior authorization.
Emphasizing that university students are in a formative stage where peaceful protest plays a role in civic learning, the court urged the administration to take remedial steps to ease tensions on campus. The case is set for its next hearing on May 2.
Sahibe_Alam_Vs_Jamia_Millia_Islamia__Through_Its_Registrar____Anr
