New Delhi: Tensions have escalated at Delhi University's Hansraj College after the administration suspended approximately 30 students, including four office-bearers of the Students' Union, on allegations ranging from defaming the institution on social media to using derogatory language, according to reports.
Suspension Notices Issued
The suspension notices were issued between April 20 and 25, following incidents of alleged violence and misconduct during the college's annual fest held on April 8 and 9. In a notice dated April 25, the college administration stated that the union office-bearers have been placed under suspension with immediate effect, pending disciplinary proceedings. Those suspended include four elected representatives of the Hansraj College Students' Union for the 2025-26 term.
Restrictions Imposed
According to the notices, the students have been barred from entering the college premises during the suspension period, except to appear for examinations and internal assessments. The duration of the suspension has not been specified, with the order termed as 'interim' and effective until further directions.
The first notice, issued on April 20, was against a single student. It stated that the student had been found involved in acts of indiscipline, including defamation of the institution and use of derogatory language against teaching and non-teaching staff. A second notice named 14 students for alleged involvement in 'acts of indiscipline, physical violence, and disruption of campus order' during the annual fest.
College principal Prof. (Dr.) Rama could not be reached for comment at the time of filing this report.
DUSU Criticizes Suspension
The action has drawn sharp criticism from the Delhi University Students' Union (DUSU), which termed it 'a brazen attack on student democracy and an outright abuse of administrative power'. DUSU President Aryaman Sai said, 'These are the very representatives who sit on protests for days, fighting for student rights, so what exactly is their crime? Speaking the truth? Exposing administrative failures?'
Alleging an attempt to 'crush student leadership', Sai added that 'silencing elected voices is not governance, it is fear,' and demanded 'immediate and unconditional revocation' of the suspensions. 'Campuses are meant for dissent, dialogue, and accountability -- not authoritarian crackdowns. Students will not be bullied. Students will not be silenced,' he said.
