AISA protests MA student suspension at AUD over criticism of VC’s communal remarks, campus barricaded by authorities

NEW DELHI: The All India Students' Association (AISA) on Tuesday initiated an "indefinite" sit-in at

Ambedkar University Delhi

(AUD) to protest the suspension of a final-year MA student. The student, accused of using "derogatory and disrespectful language" towards the Vice Chancellor, has sparked a fierce backlash. AISA, in a statement, vowed to continue the protest until the university revokes the suspension, denouncing what they describe as an unjust action.
It has been reported that the AUD administration has responded to its call for revocation by increasing barricading on the campus, restricting access.
"AUD administration has continued to increase barricading inside the campus and entry has been restricted from two of the three gates of the campus. We will be staying overnight inside the campus and will continue this sit in till the revocation of the suspension," the statement reads.
The participants called for a secular, democratic, and egalitarian India, drawing parallels between their fight and the legacies of those who sacrificed their lives for these ideals.

In her Republic Day speech,

Vice Chancellor Anu Singh Lather

claimed that the controversy surrounding Ram Janambhoomi lasted for 525 years and that Dr BR Ambedkar should have been considered a national leader, but his community "miniaturised" his status to that of their leader.
The controversy surrounding the suspension stems from allegations against MA Global Studies student

Mantasha

for using "derogatory and disrespectful language" for Lather.
According to the university's proctorial board, the student violated the institution's code of discipline by circulating "critical remarks" about the Vice Chancellor via the university's official email system on January 28.
Following an internal investigation, a disciplinary committee found the student guilty, resulting in a suspension order on March 21, barring Mantasha from campus for the 2025 winter semester.
AISA claimed that Mantasha was given less than a 12-hour notice before the hearing, was not informed of the identity of the complainant, and was subjected to an all-male committee with only one female member attending virtually.
AISA also accused a committee member of questioning the student's religious identity during discussions on the Babri Masjid demolition.
The group also alleged that the university's action was "politically motivated" rather than part of a standard enforcement of university rules.
The protest escalated after a university, through a notice on March 26, banned protests in the administrative zone.
The notice specifically prohibited protests from Gate No 1 to the Dara Shikoh Library on the Kashmere Gate campus.
The university has now designated a separate area for "peaceful gatherings" requiring prior approval from the Proctor's office.