Pooja Bhatt slams Delhi University for telling students not to go to Jantar Mantar: Don't maintain conspiracy of silence

The Clash Between Academic Autonomy and Student Activism

Recent developments at the University of Delhi have brought the intersection of campus administration, legal compliance, and student activism into sharp focus. The university administration issued a formal advisory on social media, explicitly urging students and faculty to avoid the ongoing protests led by the CJP (Citizens for Justice and Peace) at Jantar Mantar. By framing these gatherings as potentially 'unlawful' and citing directives from the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India, the university has signaled a stringent approach to student conduct regarding off-campus demonstrations.

The University's Stance on Safety and Legality

The administration’s communication emphasizes a dual rationale: the physical safety of the university community and the avoidance of legal repercussions. By explicitly mentioning that unauthorized or non-compliant assemblies at Jantar Mantar could 'invite legal action,' the university is positioning itself as a protective entity attempting to shield its students from the volatility of public protests. This administrative posture reflects a growing trend among Indian higher education institutions, which are increasingly cautious about the political associations of their student bodies.

Public Backlash and the 'Conspiracy of Silence'

The advisory has not gone unchallenged. Actor and filmmaker Pooja Bhatt has publicly criticized the university’s stance, characterizing the warning as a 'conspiracy of silence.' Her intervention highlights a significant societal debate: whether educational institutions are acting as guardians of student welfare or as instruments of suppression intended to stifle political discourse. This criticism suggests that such advisories are perceived by many as an attempt to discourage civic engagement rather than a genuine effort to ensure safety.