The Delhi High Court ruled universities cannot curb peaceful protests over ideological differences, as Justice Jasmeet Singh set aside Dr. B.R. Ambedkar University Delhi student expulsion, calling the punishment highly disproportionate and legally unsustainable.
NEW DELHI: The Delhi High Court recently ruled that a university cannot suppress peaceful protests or curb the expression of ideas merely because those views conflict with the management’s ideology.
Justice Jasmeet Singh made the finding while setting aside disciplinary action taken by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar University, Delhi, against a student accused of participating in a campus protest.
In an order, the Court allowed the student’s petition challenging two university orders from June and August 2025 that resulted in her expulsion. It found the punishment to be “highly disproportionate” and unsupportable in law.
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The court said,
“The University cannot restrict speech and peaceful expression of ideas, merely because the views expressed by a group of students do not align with the ideology of the management,”
The judgment stressed that peaceful dissent and debate are essential to the academic setting.
The court added,
“A university that accepts only obedience and discourages protests and criticism would fail in its broader educational role. The role of the university is not to suppress every form of dissent, but to ensure that such expression is answered and catered to,”
The dispute began amid allegations of ragging and bullying. The petitioner, enrolled in the university’s global studies programme, claimed she endured severe ragging, bullying and gender-insensitive remarks, which led her to attempt self-harm. She took part in complaints and protests after the incident, and the university responded by suspending her.
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That suspension was separately challenged before the High Court; in April 2025 the Court allowed her to attend classes but barred her from taking part in protests or demonstrations related to the matter while inquiries continued.
The university later accused her of joining a campus-wide boycott organised by a student group and issued a show-cause notice in May 2025, alleging breach of the court’s direction and the university’s student code of discipline. The student maintained she had not participated in the protest, saying she was merely near the protest site to meet a friend when campus security photographed her.
Despite that explanation, the university pursued disciplinary measures and expelled her for allegedly taking part in a sit-in. She then moved the High Court seeking to quash the orders.
In its review, the Court underscored the role of universities as forums for intellectual exchange and critical thinking.
The court observed,
“A university is not just a place where students just attend classes and complete courses. It is also a space where students are expected to learn and inculcate independent thought processes, ability to ask questions, and engage in critical thinking… It reflects the very spirit of freedom to engage in discourse and discussions that a university is expected to encourage,”
Addressing the university’s contention that the student violated the High Court’s earlier restraint order, the Court clarified that punishment for breach of a court order lies solely with the court and cannot be imposed by the university.
The Court also noted there was no allegation that the alleged protest disrupted university operations or impeded other students’ academic pursuits. Finding the penalty disproportionate to the conduct, the High Court set aside the disciplinary orders and allowed the petition.
Recognising that the student had already lost an academic year due to the proceedings, the Court directed that she be allowed to resume studies from the third semester beginning July 2026.
The student was represented by Abhik Chimni, Pranjal Abrol, Gurpal Singh, Ayan Dasgupta Samarendra and Moksha Sharma. Advocates Mohinder Rupal, Hardik Rupal, Aishwarya Malhotra and Tripta Sharma appeared for Dr. B.R. Ambedkar University.
Case Title: Nadia v Dr BR Ambedkar University Delhi
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