New Delhi, March 18, 2025 – Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) has lifted the suspension of ten students who faced disciplinary action for participating in campus protests. Recently, a Delhi High Court order stayed the suspension of seven students.
The Court while staying the suspension termed the action of the university to be worrisome.
The Root of the Suspensions
The university administration viewed it as unauthorized and started disciplinary proceedings against the ones concerned. In the month of February 2025, 17 students of JMI were suspended for their role in protests against disciplinary action on 2 Ph D scholars.
The two scholars are alleged to have organized the “Jamia Resistance Day” on 15 December 2024 (every year). It was observed to mark the protests that took place in 2019 against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).
Delhi High Court Steps
InThe university’s decision was challenged by the suspended students in the delinquent high court. On February 13, 2025, the court stayed the suspension of 7 students. It expresses concern over the behaviour of the university in dealing with student protests.
The court said that there should be a balance maintained between institutional discipline and the students’ rights to dissent.
University’s Suspension Decision
Following the court’s order, JMI lifted the suspension of the ten students. However, the university has asked the students to sign a “bond of good conduct” for being reinstated. The university has also stated that the students must adhere to its code of conduct.
They must not engage in any unlawful activities on the campus, which is not mentioned specifically. Students have different reactions to the revocation of suspensions. Some students appreciate the decision and feel it accepts their right to protest and dissent.
However, others are worried about the ill-effects of signing a good conduct bond, fearing that it will stifle dissent in the times to come.
University’s Stance on Campus Protests
The JMI administration says that it respects the right of the students to express their views. However, it cannot allow unauthorized events which disrupt academic proceedings and campus harmony.
This unambiguously refers to the planned protest at the Entry Gate, which was stopped by the police. A university administrator said, “We want our students to have a dialogue with us. And if they have any concerns then they must use the right channels to convey that. But, we cannot allow unauthorized events without prior approval.”
Historical Context of Campus Protests
Jamia Millia Islamia has been at the forefront of student protests after nationwide demonstrations against the Citizenship Amendment Act took place in 2019. It does not only impact the university itself, but it influences the universities across the globe.
The phrase, “Jamia Resistance Day” is an annual reminder of the University’s engagement in these protests, and continuing debates on citizenship and minority rights in India.
Implications for Future Student Activism
Ongoing events at JMI resemble ongoing tussles across Indian universities between the administration and students over students’ right to protest. This includes what constitutes acceptable dissent.
Though student leaders may see the reversals of the suspensions as a victory, the good conduct bonds raise issues about the future of student activism on campus. Other universities of India are facing similar issues.
Situation in Jamia Millia Islamia reflects the need for clear policies that reconcile institutional discipline with students’ rights to free speech. When students and the administration talk openly, we need to find a balance between order and dissent on campus.
