A protest by law students at Delhi University’s Law Faculty turned into a scuffle with the police on Monday, as hundreds of students demanded an extension of their exam dates. The students cited incomplete syllabus coverage, mid-course faculty changes, and sudden syllabus updates as reasons for their agitation.
The incident highlighted tensions between students and university administration, raising questions about academic preparedness and governance.
Why Students Are Protesting
The protesting students have voiced the following concerns:
- Incomplete Syllabus: Classes failed to cover the required syllabus adequately.
- Mid-Course Faculty Changes: Frequent faculty changes disrupted the learning process.
- Delayed Allotments: Administrative delays in providing course materials and resources.
- Sudden Syllabus Updates: Unexpected changes to the syllabus added to student stress.
Details of the Scuffle
The protest began peacefully with students gathering at the Campus Law Centre early in the morning. However, tensions escalated when they attempted to meet the Dean of the Faculty of Law.
- Students alleged that the police used lathi charge and tear gas to disperse them, causing injuries.
- The police denied these allegations, stating that no force was used during the incident.
Police Statement
According to a police officer:
“No lathicharge or tear gas was used. Senior officers, including DCP (North) Raja Banthia, tried to pacify the students. Some students met with the dean, and the situation is under control.”
Visuals from the site showed heavy police deployment, with officers carrying batons amid a large crowd of students. Arguments were seen breaking out between the two sides.
Students’ Perspective
One student shared:
“We were protesting peacefully for over eight hours, but instead of addressing our concerns, the administration resorted to police action.”
The students’ demands align with the Bar Council of India’s guidelines, including:
- Ensuring a minimum number of prescribed classes.
- Timely completion of the syllabus.
- Administrative compliance with academic rules.
Administrative Response
The Dean of the Faculty of Law, Anju Vali Tikoo, has not issued a statement on the allegations.
However, the police clarified that:
- The dean’s office was surrounded by protesting students, prompting the university administration to request police assistance.
Key Developments
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Reason for Protest | Incomplete syllabus, faculty changes, delays |
| Students’ Demands | 10-day exam extension |
| Allegations | Police lathi charge and tear gas usage |
| Police Response | Denied use of force, stated situation under control |
FAQs
Why were students protesting at Delhi University Law Faculty?
Students were protesting to demand a 10-day extension for exams, citing incomplete syllabus coverage, mid-course faculty changes, and administrative delays.
Did the police use lathi charge or tear gas?
The police denied these allegations, stating that no force was used during the incident.
What were the students’ demands?
The students demanded an extension of the exam schedule by 10 days and adherence to the Bar Council of India’s academic guidelines.
Who requested police intervention?
The Delhi University administration and the Dean of the Faculty of Law requested police assistance after students surrounded the dean’s office.
Was the protest resolved?
Some students met with the dean, and the situation was brought under control, according to the police.
What issues led to the agitation?
In addition to the incomplete syllabus, delays in allotments and sudden syllabus updates contributed to student frustration.
What actions have been taken by the administration?
As of now, there has been no official response from the dean regarding the students’ demands.
Were there any injuries reported during the scuffle?
Students alleged injuries, but the police denied these claims and stated that the protest ended without major incidents.
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