Jamia Millia Islamia has agreed to hold students’ union elections within 15 days of approving the union’s constitution, following nearly two weeks of protests demanding the restoration of elected student representation.
In an order issued on Monday, October 26, the university administration announced the election timeline, revoked suspension and show-cause notices issued to students during the agitation, and ordered an inquiry into the conduct of security personnel during the protests.
The order stated, “The Jamia Millia Islamia Students’ Union Election will be held after 15 days, from the date of approval of the constitution of the Students’ Union of Jamia Millia Islamia.”
However, the administration has not specified when the constitution will be approved. The election schedule therefore remains dependent on the completion of that process.
Jamia Revokes Disciplinary Notices, Orders Inquiry
The university said its competent authority considered a demand letter submitted on October 26 by students on hunger strike and their representatives.
Providing relief to students facing disciplinary action, the administration stated, “Suspension and Show-Cause Notices issued to students during the period of protest are hereby revoked.”
It also announced the formation of a committee to investigate the conduct of security personnel during the demonstrations, addressing one of the major concerns raised by the protesters.
According to the order, the protesting students agreed to call off their agitation immediately following its issuance.
The students also undertook to issue a public apology through a press conference for defamatory remarks, actions or social media posts directed against the university administration during the protest. The order further directed that such posts be removed from social media platforms.
Students Question Election Timeline
The agitation began on October 12, with students demanding the restoration of the Jamia Millia Islamia Students’ Union (JMISU), whose elections have not been held since 2005. The union was dissolved in 2006.
The protest intensified as students sought a definite election schedule and objected to the administration’s decision to draft a new constitution without initially committing to a fixed timeline for elections.
On October 21, the university constituted a committee to draft the union’s constitution, examining the circumstances surrounding its dissolution, relevant court rulings, Lyngdoh Committee recommendations and university regulations.
The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association criticised the latest order, calling it ambiguous and arguing that it did not provide a clear timeline for constitutional approval or the elections.
“The notice failed to provide a clear and unambiguous announcement regarding the restoration of the students’ union, leaving several key concerns unaddressed,” the association said.
It also said the order did not address the students’ demand for the resignation of the proctor.
“Assurances without concrete decisions and a clear roadmap cannot be treated as fulfilment of our demands,” the group added, maintaining that students wanted written commitments on their concerns.
Student Agitation Follows Campus Tensions
Four students had been observing a hunger strike as part of the agitation, while other protesters demanded democratic representation and accountability over the alleged use of force during demonstrations.
The university had earlier shifted classes online and restricted campus access, citing security concerns.
