The Delhi High Court has intervened in the disciplinary actions taken against students of Jamia Millia Islamia, staying their suspension for engaging in on-campus protests without prior authorization.
In an order issued on Tuesday, the court mandated the formation of a university committee under the vice chancellor’s supervision to reassess the situation, explicitly requiring the inclusion of student representatives in the deliberations.
Judicial Considerations & Legal Arguments
Justice Dinesh Kumar Sharma presided over the case, addressing a petition submitted by four students challenging the university proctor’s decision to suspend them and bar them from campus. In response, the court directed the university administration to furnish a comprehensive report detailing the grounds for the disciplinary measures.
The students’ legal counsel maintained that the protest was peaceful and did not justify the punitive actions imposed. Conversely, the university’s legal representatives, Advocates Amit Sahni and Kisley Mishra, argued that the students had neglected to secure the necessary approvals and had engaged in behavior leading to property damage.
Additionally, they asserted that some students were found sleeping outside the campus canteen, violating institutional regulations.
Context & Escalation of the Dispute
The controversy originated in February when multiple students involved in protests were reportedly detained by Delhi Police. This detention, which lasted approximately 12 hours, led to heightened tensions as concerns arose regarding the unaccounted-for students. The ensuing unrest contributed to further demonstrations and calls for administrative accountability.
Judicial Directive & Institutional Responsibility
In an effort to ensure a fair resolution, the High Court has ordered the establishment of a committee comprising university officials, with oversight from the vice chancellor, to review the disciplinary actions.
Crucially, the court emphasized that student representatives must be included in the process to safeguard participatory decision-making. The university has been instructed to submit a detailed report on its findings, enabling further judicial review if required.
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