The Delhi High Court has sought responses from Delhi University, Delhi Police and the Centre on a plea challenging the month-long ban on campus protests. A DU law student claims the blanket restriction violates Articles 14 and 19 of the Constitution and curbs academic freedom.
The Delhi High Court on Wednesday issued notice to University of Delhi, the Delhi Police and the Central government on a petition challenging Delhi University’s decision to impose a one-month ban on protests and public gatherings across its campuses.
The matter was heard by Justice Jasmeet Singh, who ordered that the case be transferred to the Bench dealing with Public Interest Litigations (PILs). The PIL Bench is headed by Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya. The case is now likely to be taken up for hearing on March 10.
The petition has been filed by Udhay Bhadoriya, a student of the Law Faculty of Delhi University. He has challenged a notification dated February 17, 2026, issued by the Office of the Proctor of Delhi University.
Through this notification, the University prohibited public meetings, processions, demonstrations and even peaceful assemblies of five or more persons across all university campuses and affiliated colleges for a period of one month.
According to the University, the decision was taken after recent clashes and unrest among students over the University Grants Commission (UGC) equity guidelines. Following the main notification, affiliated colleges such as Kirori Mal College and Dayal Singh College also issued advisories supporting the restrictions.
These advisories warned students that any violation of the order could lead to strict disciplinary action, including suspension or expulsion. Students and staff members were also cautioned against sharing related protest content on social media platforms.
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In his plea, Bhadoriya has argued that the blanket ban is unconstitutional and violates the fundamental rights guaranteed under Articles 14 and 19 of the Constitution of India. Article 14 ensures equality before the law, while Article 19 protects freedom of speech and expression and the right to assemble peacefully.
The petition states that the order is excessive and disproportionate in nature. It further argues that such a complete ban on peaceful gatherings creates a chilling effect on academic discussion and democratic participation within the university campus.
The plea maintains that universities are spaces meant for debate, dialogue and expression, and that imposing a sweeping restriction on all forms of assembly undermines these core principles.
The case has been filed through Advocates Abhishek and Aman Rawat. With notices now issued to the University, Delhi Police and the Central government, the High Court will examine whether the month-long protest ban is legally justified or whether it amounts to an unreasonable restriction on students’ fundamental rights.
The upcoming hearing before the PIL Bench will be crucial in determining the balance between maintaining campus order and protecting students’ constitutional freedoms.
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