The Maulana Azad National Urdu University (MANUU) is under fire for harsh actions against students who protested in September 2024 about unhygienic conditions in the campus mess. The protest began on September 19, when students gathered in front of the administration block, claiming that complaints about poor food quality were ignored.
On December 10, the university’s Proctor’s office issued orders expelling several students from hostels, banning them from future admissions, and asking them to sign undertakings under the MANUU Students Conduct & Discipline Rules, 2014. Thirteen students were also issued police notices under BNSS Section 35(6).
These actions have drawn sharp criticism from student groups. The All India Students’ Association (AISA) called the punishments “draconian” and accused the administration of stifling student voices.
“Protests are a fundamental right in a democracy, especially in universities, which should encourage debate and dissent. The administration’s actions are authoritarian and lack transparency,” AISA said in a statement.
The All India Azad Students’ League (AIASL) raised concerns about the impact on students from marginalized communities.
“Most MANUU students come from disadvantaged backgrounds. Evicting them from hostels and barring future admissions will harm their education and careers,” AIASL said.
The MANUU Students’ Collective also criticized the university for involving police in a campus issue and canceling the Students’ Union elections.
“Bringing police into university matters and filing FIRs against students is alarming. It undermines democracy on campus,” their statement said.
Students are now demanding that the university reverse its decisions and hold talks to resolve the mess issues.
“Instead of solving our problems, they are punishing us for speaking up. This is unfair,” said a protesting student who requested anonymity.
