DU prioritises discipline over freedom of expression

Delhi University (DU) has removed posters from areas traditionally known as the ‘Walls of Democracy,’ a move that has sparked concern among students about the shrinking of democratic spaces on campus. These walls were designated areas where students were permitted to paste posters, pamphlets, and express political or social opinions, particularly during elections and campus movements. However, recent developments suggest that these areas have been quietly denotified, with no formal notice to the student body.

On 7th January, a group of students from the Students Federation of India (SFI), led by PhD student Mehina Fathima, was stopped by security guards while attempting to put up posters on one such wall. Fathima claimed that not only were they prevented from pasting posters, but the labels identifying the wall as a ‘Wall of Democracy’ had also been removed.

“We were protesting an education-related policy, but the guards insisted that the wall no longer had the status of a democratic space,” Fathima said, expressing concerns that the move could be a step towards curbing dissent on campus.

In response, SFI filed a letter with the university’s Proctor, questioning the removal of the Walls of Democracy without prior notice. “Such actions directly impact students’ right to express their views,” Fathima added.

Student groups argue that the absence of an official announcement or circular has caused confusion and resentment. However, DU’s administration has denied the incident, with the Chief Security Officer stating that no such event occurred. The DU Proctor also claimed to have no information regarding the removal of the walls or any related instructions.

The university later placed A4 sheets labelled ‘Wall of Democracy’ in specific areas, but many students continue to demand clarity on the future of free expression spaces on campus.