New Delhi, July 23: The University of Delhi (DU) on Thursday issued a public advisory urging students and faculty members to stay away from unauthorised assemblies and demonstrations at Jantar Mantar, warning that participation in unlawful protests could invite legal action and adversely affect their academic and professional future.
The advisory comes amid nationwide protests led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak and examination irregularities, even as Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and INDIA bloc leaders staged a march to Gandhi Smriti in solidarity with protesting students.
In its advisory, DU emphasised that demonstrations at Jantar Mantar are strictly regulated under the directives of the Supreme Court and cautioned students against violating the law.
“Dear students and faculty, your safety matters to us. All students are urged to stay away from Jantar Mantar and to prioritise their safety and compliance with the law,” the university said.
Dear students and faculty, your safety matters to us. Please note that any unlawful assemblies or demonstrations at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi, which are strictly regulated as per the directives of the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India, may invite legal action. Such activities can…
— University of Delhi (@UnivofDelhi) July 23, 2026
The university warned that police action or legal records arising from participation in unlawful assemblies could significantly impact students’ academic progress, campus standing and future career opportunities.
It also cautioned against the circulation of fake news, manipulated media and misleading online content, urging students to verify information before reacting or sharing it.
“You are advised to exercise caution as a significant amount of fake and misleading content is being created and circulated to fuel the situation,” the advisory added.
Echoing the university’s stand, a senior DU official said students should not become a “political tool” and advised them to stay away from the ongoing CJP-led protests, warning that participation could have serious consequences.
Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi, accompanied by INDIA bloc leaders, marched towards Gandhi Smriti to express solidarity with students protesting over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak and those injured during demonstrations.
Addressing the media, Gandhi launched a sharp attack on the Centre, alleging that the government was suppressing students’ voices.
“Today, the Modi government is assassinating democracy in India, brutalising students, and beating students. We are with the students, and Mr Narendra Modi has to remove the Education Minister and apologise,” Gandhi said.
In a post on X earlier in the day, the Congress leader said the Opposition stood firmly with students demanding justice and accountability.
“India’s students are not alone. The entire Opposition stands with them and their demands,” he said.
The protest witnessed tense scenes after Congress workers attempted to breach police barricades while marching towards Gandhi Smriti, leading to scuffles with Delhi Police personnel.
Delhi Police repeatedly announced that no sit-in protest or gathering was permitted at the location and warned that continued demonstrations would be declared illegal.
“No sit-in protest or gathering is allowed here. If this sit-in protest continues, it will be declared illegal, due to which legal action will be taken,” police said.
Indian Youth Congress president Uday Bhanu Chib alleged that Rahul Gandhi had been placed under “house arrest” to prevent him from raising students’ issues and accused the government of failing to stop examination paper leaks.
Congress MP Renuka Chowdhury also criticised the police action, asserting that the Opposition would not be intimidated.
The developments come as Parliament remains deadlocked over the NEET-UG paper leak controversy, with Opposition parties demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, while the Centre has maintained that it is prepared to discuss the issue without any preconditions.
