Nation

NEW DELHI: JNU and DU have issued separate warnings to their students, faculty, and staff to avoid the protest site at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. The advisory has been issued as protests against alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG 2026 exam continue to draw students and activists from all over the country. The notice, released on Friday, advises university attendees to avoid attending events at the location and exercise caution when sharing content on social media.

Due to safety and security concerns, the university urged students/staff not to go beyond institutional rules and to follow Supreme Court guidelines regarding public protests. In addition, the administration warned that failure to follow the advisory could lead to discipline, saying it was important not just to keep things calm on campus, but to ensure people are safe and sound on all sides.

A directive was issued by JNU in response to a similar warning from Delhi University, which also requested students to refrain from participating in the Jantar Mantar protests. Controversies surrounding the paper leaks and other irregularities in competitive exams have prompted widespread calls for reforms, transparency, and accountability in India's examination system. The advisories have generated strong public support as well as political pressure. Rahul Gandhi, the Congress leader, expressed his disapproval of the universities' position by stating that students should not be discouraged from participating in democratic protests. The decision was also opposed by multiple student groups who argued that schools should protect students' constitutional right to protest rather than restrict their participation.

Pooja Bhatt, an actress, also expressed her disappointment with Delhi University's advisory. She suggested that universities should promote democratic values and support students' freedom of expression, rather than discourage them from participating in peaceful protests.

Jantar Mantar is under tight security as the protests persist.. In an effort to maintain law and order, authorities have increased their surveillance of the central Delhi area as the protest site continues to attract students who are calling for sweeping changes in the country's exam system.