New Delhi, November 24: At a time when protests in a massive scale are rising in JNU and BHU over various issues, the Lucknow University administration has recently issued an order, banning dharnas and processions inside the university campus.
“Sit in protests (Dharna-pradarshan) and procession (juloos) is completely banned in the Lucknow University premises. Illegal sit-in protests will be banned under section 144,” the university order stated, citing High Court orders.
No unauthorised entry of outsiders
Apart from banning protests, the university also warned that action will be taken against unauthorised entry of outsiders and expelled students in the University premises. It said the action will be taken under the provisions of Criminal Law Amendment Act.
“Under any political banner, entry will not be permitted to any student and any student group inside the University premises,” it said.
Similar ban in University of Hyderabad
In a similar manner, the University of Hyderabad (UoH), in August this year, issued an order to ban protests and agitations in the varsity campus.
“With reference to the letter dated July 5, 2019, issued by SHO, Gachibowli that as per notification issued by the Commissioner of Police, Cyberabad, dated June 24, 2019, that there is a prohibition of assembly of five or more persons in the limits of Cyberabad limits under section 144 of CrPC,” the order from University’s Registrar Sardar Singh, stated.
“In this connection, under the directions of the Cyberabad Police Commissionerate, it is to inform that all the protests and agitations are prohibited in the Hyderabad University campus with immediate effect and assembling of five or more persons at one place are also prohibited forthwith until further orders,” the order read.
JNU students protest
The development of banning protests comes in the backdrop of increasing agitations in a number of universities across the country. The latest to cite the example is Jawaharlal Nehru University where students are raising their voices over hostel fee hike and other issues.
Recently, visually challenged students of Jawaharlal Nehru University protested outside the Delhi Police headquarters in ITO area against the alleged lathicharge by the force on varsity students protesting against hostel fee hike.
DU students protest
Joining their counterparts, students from the Delhi University also staged a protest against the police lathicharge on JNU students during a demonstration over hostel fee hike. Besides, they also protested against the New Education Policy and said it is an attempt to privatise education.