Delhi University has sparked a significant controversy by quietly removing its officially designated 'Walls of Democracy,' spaces long used by students for political expression and campaign posters. The move came to light when students attempting to put up posters were stopped by security, revealing that these crucial platforms for dialogue no longer officially exist.
Confrontation at St. Stephen's Highlights the Change
The issue surfaced prominently on Wednesday evening. Two students affiliated with the Students' Federation of India (SFI) were stopped by at least seven security personnel when they tried to paste posters opposing the Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan Bill near St. Stephen's College. A video of the incident circulated widely. The students were shocked to learn the wall they were using had been denotified.
This action stands in stark contrast to the scene just five months ago during the high-decibel Delhi University Students' Union (DUSU) elections in September. Back then, the same walls were vibrant with campaign material, from ABVP recruitment calls to poetic slogans of freedom. The university had even issued guidelines to prevent defacement and asked colleges to enlarge these specific 'Walls of Democracy' at two notified locations on North and South Campus.
A Sudden End to a Long-Standing Democratic Tradition
These walls, marked by university-installed boards for easy identification, were official spaces. Key locations included areas adjacent to St. Stephen's College, near the Faculty of Arts, and opposite Daulat Ram College. During elections, anti-defacement committees ensured posters were confined to these walls. Beyond polls, students used them to advertise protests, meetings, and raise awareness on various social and political issues.
Students allege that security guards tore down their posters and verbally informed them of the university's decision. They also claim the identifying boards were removed without any prior notice. DU Proctor Manoj Kumar confirmed the denotification on Thursday but provided no reason for the sudden decision. He did not clarify if the move was communicated to students or if colleges were instructed to follow the university's lead. A college principal stated they had received no such directive so far.
Student Bodies Protest, Calling it an Attack on Democratic Space
The SFI submitted a formal complaint to the proctor's office on Thursday, demanding the immediate reinstatement of the walls. In their complaint, they stated the removal was done without any consultation with students or student organisations. They emphasized that these walls have historically served as a vital democratic arena for expression and dialogue within the university.
Student activists have labeled the university's action as a direct attempt to stifle democratic expression. They argue that the shrinking of such designated spaces fundamentally undermines the democratic character of Delhi University, a premier institution that should champion open debate and dissent.
