Congress leader Rahul Gandhi sharply criticized Delhi University’s instruction urging students not to join ongoing protests in India. In a post on X on Friday morning, July 24, 2026, Gandhi asked how authorities could dare to threaten students for exercising their democratic rights. He said the university must be held accountable over the matter.

Delhi University had posted on social media on Thursday asking students to stay away from “illegal gatherings” at Jantar Mantar. Citing Supreme Court directions, the university said gatherings and protests there are strictly regulated and that law enforcement agencies could take legal action against those joining unlawful assemblies. It said such participation could endanger personal safety, disrupt academic activities and adversely affect students’ future professional prospects. Against the backdrop of protests spreading across several cities in recent weeks, Jawaharlal Nehru University also issued a warning on Friday, asking its stakeholders to act responsibly, prioritize safety and avoid programmes at or around Jantar Mantar.