Students, teachers, union members protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar against ‘attack’ on fundamental rights

Referring to the mandate of a notice to be served by people 10 days prior to any protest, protesters on Tuesday claimed that permissions are frequently denied without authorities giving any explanation, thus subjecting the organisers to bureaucratic hurdles. They also raised the issue of perpetual ban under BNSS Section 163 in New Delhi district, disallowing demonstrations near Central and state government offices.

Shreya Ghosh, who was representing students’ union Collective, claimed, “Not just students, but anyone who speaks up against a policy which is affecting them, is considered anti-national.” She also said that the provisions made in the recent past are harsher than the Rowlatt Act of 1919, a British law under which authorities could arrest and imprison people without trial on suspicion of terrorism or sedition.

Malvika Doon, a PHD student from Jamia Millia Islamia, who was representing women’s union Pragatisheel Mahila Sangathan, recalled that there used to be spaces for people to protest. “Earllier, Jantar Mantar was very accessible. Now, even if permission is granted for a protest, authorities keenly check if it is anti-government,” she said, adding that the recent restrictions at India Gate are kind of dystopian.

Nandita Narain, a retired associate professor of St Stephen’s college, DU, said there is a curb on educational freedom in public universities. “If they don’t like the theme of a seminar, police do not allow it. The public universities are under siege,” she said, also criticising the step taken by Union Home Minister Amit Shah who had issued orders in July to study protests since 1974 in order to prevent future agitations with “vested interests”.

Poonam Kaushik, general secretary, Pragatisheel Mahila Sangathan, meanwhile, highlighted that protest is the fundamental right of every citizen.

The protesters also said that a memorandum will be submitted to the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, demanding that only prior intimation or notice be required to hold a protest in all districts in the Capital.

Police officers could not be reached for comment till press time.