Jantar Mantar Protests: Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) has turned into the newest higher education institution to ask its students, faculty and staff to keep away from Jantar Mantar. This comes after Delhi University (DU) and a number of other academic bodies put out similar messages as protests keep going in the national capital. In their own words, the universities raised safety related concerns along with legal implications and the simple need to stay focused on academic duties.
JNU Puts Out Advisory Against Jantar Mantar Protests
In an official notice shared on Friday, JNU asked members of its academic community to not take part in any gatherings at or near Jantar Mantar. The university also said that showing up in what it called unlawful assemblies could lead to legal consequences under relevant laws, as well as disciplinary steps under the institution’s code of conduct.
Advisory
All stakeholders of JNU’s epistemic community are advised to act responsibly and prioritize their personal safety. In accordance with the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India’s directions on public demonstrations, you are requested to refrain from participating in or visiting…— Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) (@JNU_official_50) July 24, 2026
The advisory issued by JNU reads, “All stakeholders of JNU’s epistemic community are advised to act responsibly and prioritize their personal safety. In accordance with the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India’s directions on public demonstrations, you are requested to refrain from participating in or visiting gatherings at or around Jantar Mantar, New Delhi. Please exercise responsibility on social media. Violations may invite legal consequences under applicable laws as well as disciplinary action under the University’s code of conduct. You are also encouraged to uphold the values of academic responsibility and responsible citizenship.”
DU’s Warning
Delhi University had earlier issued a similar advisory asking students and faculty members to avoid “unlawful assemblies or demonstrations” at Jantar Mantar. The university said such participation could expose students to legal action, pose risks to personal safety and potentially affect their academic progress and future professional opportunities.
In a post on X, at 9.02pm, it 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 also pose serious risks to students’ personal safety and significantly impact their academic progress and professional opportunities. Accordingly, all students are urged to stay away from Jantar Mantar and to prioritise their safety and compliance with the law. Furthermore, you are advised to exercise caution as a significant amount of fake and misleading content is being created and circulated to fuel the situation,” it further said.
Expressing disappointment, a professor from the Dyal Singh College said, “This has consistently been happening in DU. They have completely aligned with the party at the Centre for the last few years…It is disappointing because the university should not be an apologist for the government, we should be answerable to students.”
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Other Institutions
The advisories are not just limited to DU and JNU. As per several reports, the Association of Indian Universities (AIU), IIT Roorkee and IIT Madras have also put out communications, asking students to keep their mind on academics and not join the ongoing protests around Jantar Mantar.
These coordinated advisories, actually stand out as one of the widest institutional reactions by higher education bodies since the demonstrations went up in intensity in Delhi.
Political Reactions
The advisories have also triggered political responses. Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi criticised Delhi University’s warning. Gandhi shared a tweet in this regard. The tweet reads, “How dare you threaten students for exercising their democratic rights? Please note, you are the ones that will be held accountable when the time comes.” Meanwhile, some public figures, including actor Pooja Bhatt, questioned whether universities should discourage participation in peaceful demonstrations.
How dare you threaten students for exercising their democratic rights?
Please note, you are the ones that will be held accountable when the time comes. https://t.co/Mx6D19SP5h
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) July 24, 2026
Despite the advisories, demonstrations linked to concerns over alleged examination irregularities and demands for accountability have continued at Jantar Mantar. Organisers have indicated that the protests will continue, while authorities and educational institutions continue to monitor the situation closely.
