. NEW DELHI: ‘Bol ke lab azaad hain tere,’ scribbled across a yellow chart paper, fought for space alongside a poster exhorting freshers to join the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad. During the high-decibel Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) polls in Sept, the walls of democracy at North Campus gave opposing student parties the opportunity to stand neck-and-neck-at least on paper-and more. On Wednesday evening, however, when two women students affiliated with the Students’ Federation of India (SFI) attempted to paste posters opposing the Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan Bill near St. Stephen’s College, they were shocked to learn that the walls no longer ‘existed’. A video shows at least seven security staff stopping the duo. Only five months ago, Delhi University (DU) had notified guidelines against defacement of walls, especially during the student election season. It also asked departments and colleges to increase the size of these walls of democracy as much as possible at two notified locations. DU’s North and South Campuses have several such walls, typically marked with a university-installed board reading ‘Wall of Democracy’ for easy identification. Walls adjacent to St. Stephen’s College, near the Faculty of Arts, and opposite Daulat Ram College were among those officially designated. During student elections, anti-defacement committees were set up to ensure that posters were pasted only on these walls. Outside election periods, students have also used them to display posters related to protests, meetings and political or social issues. In a social media post, the student body alleged that the guards tore down the posters and verbally informed them of the university’s decision. Students also claimed that the boards identifying these walls were removed without prior notice. DU proctor Manoj Kumar on Thursday confirmed that the walls had been denotified. He, however, did not provide any reason for the decision or indicate whether it had been communicated to students. He also did not clarify whether colleges had been asked to follow suit. A college principal said no one had asked them to follow in the university’s footsteps, so far. The organisation submitted a complaint to the proctor’s office on Thursday, demanding the immediate reinstatement of the walls. In its complaint, the SFI said the removal was carried out without any consultation with students or student organisations. It added that the walls have historically served as an important democratic space for students to express opinions and engage in political and social dialogue within the university. Calling the move an attempt to stifle democratic expression, students said the shrinking of such spaces undermines the democratic character of DU.About the AuthorSugandha JhaSugandha Jha is a journalist with over half a decade of experience covering education, social affairs, and current news. With a sharp eye for numbers and a strong grounding in data-driven reporting, she brings clarity and insight to complex issues. Beyond the newsroom, she’s passionate about exploring regional cuisine and the stories behind what we eat. Her work blends analytical rigour with human interest, offering readers nuanced perspectives across diverse subjects.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosBJP Targets Mamata Banerjee Over ED Raid At I-PAC, Alleges Evidence TamperingFrom Op Sindoor To Venezuela: How Chinese Air Defence And Radar Systems Continue To Fail NationsDipu Das Lynching: Bangladesh Police Arrest Man Who Incited Mob As Attacks Against Hindus ContinueFrance Ditches Global South, Collective West As Jaishankar Warns Europe Of Changing World Order’Naughty, Nasty HM’: Mamata Slams Amit Shah After ED Raids TMC Leader Amid SIR RowPM Modi Launches ‘Somnath Swabhiman Parv’, Recalls Centuries-Old Resolve Behind Temple’s Revival“US Using Tariffs To Pressure India” Sareen Slams Trump Over Russia Sanction BillDonald Trump Pulls US Out Of India-Led Solar Alliance In Sweeping Exit From 66 Global AgenciesNew CCTV Footage Raises Questions Over Planning Behind Turkman Gate Clashes During Midnight DriveMinor Shooter Accuses National Coach Of Sexual Assault, NRAI Suspends Him Pending Police Inquiry123PhotostoriesHow to deal with difficult people without losing your cool: 5 effective psychology-based tipsBirthday Special: Farhan Akhtar’s movies to watch on OTTFarhan Akhtar’s social media moments with wife and kids10 smart and comforting sooji dishes to enjoy for breakfastExclusive: Viraj Bahl on the public admiration he’s been getting due to Shark Tank India; says ‘I still feel embarrassed when people ask me for selfies’‘Toxic’: Kiara Advani, Nayanthara to Rukmini Vasanth: Meet the leading ladies of Yash’s highly anticipated comeback filmHow to make comforting Gajar Matar Ki Sabzi at home10 most democratic countries in the world12 banana desserts enjoyed around the world’The Office’ to ‘Modern Family’: Best sitcoms to watch on Peacock123Hot PicksMinneapolis Woman ShootMaharashtra civic pollsGold rate todayUAE citizenshipCigarette price hikePublic holidays January 2026Bank Holidays JanuaryTop TrendingCandace OwensTommy Fleetwood and Clare Fleetwood Net WorthTravis KelceBrandon TatumQuinn HutsonRic Flair Net Worth in 2025Rashee RiceMarshon Lattimore ArrestAnthony EdwardsStefon Diggs
NEW DELHI: ‘Bol ke lab azaad hain tere,’ scribbled across a yellow chart paper, fought for space alongside a poster exhorting freshers to join the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad. During the high-decibel Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) polls in Sept, the walls of democracy at North Campus gave opposing student parties the opportunity to stand neck-and-neck-at least on paper-and more. On Wednesday evening, however, when two women students affiliated with the Students’ Federation of India (SFI) attempted to paste posters opposing the Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan Bill near St. Stephen’s College, they were shocked to learn that the walls no longer ‘existed’. A video shows at least seven security staff stopping the duo. Only five months ago, Delhi University (DU) had notified guidelines against defacement of walls, especially during the student election season. It also asked departments and colleges to increase the size of these walls of democracy as much as possible at two notified locations. DU’s North and South Campuses have several such walls, typically marked with a university-installed board reading ‘Wall of Democracy’ for easy identification. Walls adjacent to St. Stephen’s College, near the Faculty of Arts, and opposite Daulat Ram College were among those officially designated. During student elections, anti-defacement committees were set up to ensure that posters were pasted only on these walls. Outside election periods, students have also used them to display posters related to protests, meetings and political or social issues. In a social media post, the student body alleged that the guards tore down the posters and verbally informed them of the university’s decision. Students also claimed that the boards identifying these walls were removed without prior notice. DU proctor Manoj Kumar on Thursday confirmed that the walls had been denotified. He, however, did not provide any reason for the decision or indicate whether it had been communicated to students. He also did not clarify whether colleges had been asked to follow suit. A college principal said no one had asked them to follow in the university’s footsteps, so far. The organisation submitted a complaint to the proctor’s office on Thursday, demanding the immediate reinstatement of the walls. In its complaint, the SFI said the removal was carried out without any consultation with students or student organisations. It added that the walls have historically served as an important democratic space for students to express opinions and engage in political and social dialogue within the university. Calling the move an attempt to stifle democratic expression, students said the shrinking of such spaces undermines the democratic character of DU.
