New Delhi, 12 March (H.S.): The Delhi High Court questioned Delhi University's month-long blanket ban on all protests, with a bench led by Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya asserting that police can address legal violations without prohibiting demonstrations outright; next hearing set for March 25.

The court scrutinized student conduct, emphasizing Article 19 free speech rights must not be abused, urging behavioral reform and questioning why an academic proctor faced such orders amid post-UGC equity guideline clashes.

DU Law Faculty student Uday Bhadoriya challenged the February 17 proctor notification barring public meetings, processions, or assemblies of five-plus persons across campuses, claiming violations of Articles 14 and 19 equality and expression rights, potentially stifling academic discourse.

Issued after student skirmishes, the order prompted Kirori Mal and Dayal Singh Colleges to warn of suspensions, expulsions, and social media content bans for violations; earlier notices went to DU, Delhi Police, and Centre on February 25.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar