AUD Students Protest Against Suspension Of MA Student

The All India Students’ Association (AISA) is conducting an ‘indefinite’ sit-in at Ambedkar University Delhi (AUD) against the suspension of a final-year MA student who allegedly used ‘derogatory and disrespectful language’ towards the Vice-Chancellor. AISA has stated to continue the protest until the university revokes the suspension order.

Reportedly, Anu Singh Lather, AUD Vice Chancellor, during her Republic Day speech said 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.

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According to the university’s proctorial board, the MA Global Studies student Mantasha used ‘derogatory and disrespectful language’ for Lather and violated the institution’s code of discipline. She allegedly circulated ‘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 the student from campus for the 2025 winter semester.

AISA claimed that Mantasha was given less than a 12-hour notice before hearing and was not informed about the identity of the complainant. Also the enquiry committee was all-male committee with only one female member present virtually. Also a committee member allegedly enquired about the student’s religious identity during the discussion on the Babri Masjid demolition.

AUD administration has increased barricading on the campus, restricting students’ access.

AISA statement reads, “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”.

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The University has banned the protestes in the administrative zone and specially from Gate No 1 to the Dara Shikoh Library on the Kashmere Gate campus.

The university has designated a separate area for ‘peaceful gatherings’ requiring prior permission from the Proctor’s office.