NEW DELHI: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has criticised Delhi University’s advisory asking students and faculty members to stay away from protests at Jantar Mantar, saying it could discourage democratic speech and free expression.
In a post on X on Friday, Tharoor called the advisory “utterly appalling” and said universities should promote critical thinking instead of discouraging participation in democratic activities.
According to media reports, Delhi University issued the advisory on Thursday, urging students and staff to avoid “unlawful assemblies or demonstrations” at Jantar Mantar. The university said such gatherings are regulated under Supreme Court directions and warned that taking part could lead to legal action, safety risks and possible effects on students’ academic and professional future.
The protests have been organised by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which is demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak and other examination issues. The demonstrations have continued since June 20 and intensified during the Monsoon Session of Parliament after a “Chalo Sansad” march on July 20.
Tharoor compared the advisory with the period before the Emergency, saying Delhi University did not stop students from joining the Jayaprakash Narayan movement. He said such warnings could create fear among students and staff and limit their freedom to express their views.
The university also advised students and faculty members to ignore misleading information on social media, follow the law and give priority to their personal safety.
