‘No loitering during class hours’: DU’s Shaheed Bhagat Singh Evening College issues new directive

The notice underlines that “any student found loitering without a valid reason during their class will be liable for strict disciplinary action as deemed appropriate.”

Speaking to The Indian Express, Principal Arun Kumar Attree said the step was taken “purely in the interest of the students’ safety and the overall academic environment.” He emphasised that the restriction targets only those “who, despite having scheduled classes, chooses to loiter in groups instead of attending them, thereby creating potential for indiscipline.”

With the Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) elections approaching, Attree pointed to past instances in which “certain elements misused the election campaign period to engage in hooliganism and disrupt regular classes.” The aim behind the directive, he said, is to ensure that students attend their scheduled classes and not engage in causing disruptions.

The college principal added that the measure is also meant to “eliminate opportunities for ragging or any form of harassment, thereby maintaining a safe and disciplined campus.” He stressed that the intent was to safeguard students’ interests, not to “impose undue restrictions.”

Attree claimed the college provides students with spaces and avenues to socialise. “Those without classes at a given time are free to use the library, canteen, or other common areas. In fact, we have extended the library’s fully AC reading hall hours until 12:00 midnight to support students’ academic and extracurricular engagement.”