Jamia suspends four students over protest against alleged admission irregularities

Jamia Millia Islamia University has suspended four students and barred them from campus due to a protest against alleged irregularities in the 2026-27 admissions process, according to suspension orders issued by the university. The students took part in an unauthorized sit-in at the Central Canteen on August 24, despite being told protests should only occur at a designated area near Gate No. 18, as per the university.

The suspension orders, seen by PTI, state the students were suspended for different lengths of time and barred from entering the campus during the suspension period. They have been asked to explain why additional disciplinary action should not be taken. The lengths of suspension vary based on the severity of the offense: one student was suspended for 10 days, two for a week each, and a fourth for three days.

A university official stated the brief suspension periods allow students to return to their academic commitments without disruption and emphasized the university's commitment to not punish students but rather encourage grievances to be raised through proper channels. The protest followed demands from students associated with the National Students Union of India for transparency in exam results, a review of admissions, and accountability for alleged irregularities.

The Jamia NSUI had also accused authorities of forcibly removing protesting students. The university dismissed these allegations as "baseless," maintaining its admission process was "extremely transparent." The university had previously engaged with protesting students, assuring them genuine grievances would be examined by competent authorities.

The students have been given time to submit explanations, after which the matter may be reviewed by the university's disciplinary authorities.