Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi lambasted the University of Delhi after it issued an advisory to its students and faculty, urging them to refrain from taking part
in the ongoing demonstrations at Jantar Mantar over the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak controversy.
As the protest over the paper leak row rages on, the Delhi University (DU) Thursday, July 23, appealed to its students to “stay away from Jantar Mantar and prioritise their safety.
Reacting to the advisory, LoP Rahul Gandhi wrote: “How dare you threaten students for exercising their democratic rights?”
How dare you threaten students for exercising their democratic rights?
Please note, you are the ones that will be held accountable when the time comes. https://t.co/Mx6D19SP5h
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) July 24, 2026
“Please note, you are the ones that will be held accountable when the time comes”, he said.
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi also slammed the institution following the advisory. In a post on ‘X’, she wrote: “Have some shame Delhi University.”
Have some shame Delhi University. https://t.co/dQPrpa4L7Y
— Priyanka Chaturvedi🇮🇳 (@priyankac19) July 24, 2026
Jantar Mantar Protests, And DU Advisory
The protests at Jantar Mantar unfold against the backdrop of a paper leak controversy linked to the May 3 NEET-UG exam. The sit-in demonstration –– started by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) at the Delhi landmark in June –– was joined by climate activist Sonam Wangchuk. The group, joined by thousands of protesting students, have been demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, while also pushing for broader educational reforms.
On June 28, Wangchuk commenced an indefinite hunger strike that ended Friday, July 24, after he said that the government had assured him of “greater accountability” and a floor discussion on the paper leak row. He announced the Centre had promised him that no action would be taken against the protesting students in Delhi.
As protests intensified across the capital, the DU issued a notice that was also posted on ‘X’. “Dear students and faculty, your safety matters to us. Please note that any unlawful assemblies or demonstrations at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi, which are strictly regulated as per the directives of the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India, may invite legal action.”
Dear students and faculty, your safety matters to us. Please note that any unlawful assemblies or demonstrations at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi, which are strictly regulated as per the directives of the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India, may invite legal action. Such activities can…
— University of Delhi (@UnivofDelhi) July 23, 2026
It also warned students against a surge in misinformation and fake news, while advising them to refrain from participating in protests.
The Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) also issued a similar advisory, citing the Supreme Court’s directions on public demonstrations. In a post on ‘X’, the JNU wrote: “All stakeholders of JNU’s epistemic community are advised to act responsibly and prioritize their personal safety. In accordance with the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India’s directions on public demonstrations, you are requested to refrain from participating in or visiting gatherings at or around Jantar Mantar, New Delhi.”
Advisory
All stakeholders of JNU’s epistemic community are advised to act responsibly and prioritize their personal safety. In accordance with the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India’s directions on public demonstrations, you are requested to refrain from participating in or visiting…— Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) (@JNU_official_50) July 24, 2026
“Please exercise responsibility on social media. Violations may invite legal consequences under applicable laws as well as disciplinary action under the University’s code of conduct. You are also encouraged to uphold the values of academic responsibility and responsible citizenship”, it said.
The protests took a decisive turn on July 20 with the CJP’s call to students to join the ‘Sansad Chalo’ march. Joined by thousands of students, the demonstration saw reports of clashes between protestors and the police.
CJP, Centre To Meet After Noon
Amid protests, a delegation of the CJP is expected to meet Union Ministers at 12:30 PM today, sources told CNN-News18. CJP spokesperson Saurav Das said the Constitution Club of India was chosen as the venue of the meeting.
While Wangchuk withdrew his demand for Pradhan’s resignation, the CJP continues to insist upon it.
