India’s Delhi University removes ‘Walls of Democracy’
Students say decision to scrap designated protest walls without explanation signals curbs on free expression at one of India’s largest universities
NEW DELHI, India (MNTV) — India’s prestigious Delhi University has removed long-standing “Walls of Democracy” from its campus, triggering protests and concerns among students who say the move reflects a growing restriction on political expression in Indian universities.
The walls, officially designated by the university for posters, announcements and peaceful political expression, had existed for years across Delhi University’s North and South Campuses. They were widely used by student groups during elections, protests and debates on social and political issues, and were seen by students as a rare, protected space for dissent within the university.
Student groups say the walls were “de-notified” without prior notice or public explanation.
The removal came to light on Wednesday evening when two women students affiliated with the Students’ Federation of India (SFI) arrived near St Stephen’s College to put up posters opposing the proposed Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan Bill, a higher-education policy initiative.
They were stopped by security guards, who tore down the posters and said they were acting on university orders, according to videos circulated by students. The students said they were informed that the Walls of Democracy “no longer exist”.
Video footage shared online shows multiple security personnel preventing students from posting materials and removing posters already displayed. Students allege that the boards identifying the walls as democratic spaces were taken down without consultation or warning.
The Walls of Democracy had been located at prominent public points on campus, including near St. Stephen’s College, the Faculty of Arts and Daulat Ram College. During student union elections, the walls were often filled with posters from rival political groups spanning the ideological spectrum, from right-wing student organizations to left-leaning collectives.
Only five months ago, the university had issued guidelines instructing students not to deface public spaces and to restrict posters to these designated walls. Anti-defacement committees were also constituted to ensure political material was displayed only at these locations.
University officials have confirmed that the walls have been de-notified but have not publicly explained the reasons. In comments cited by Indian media, Delhi University’s proctor Manoj Kumar confirmed the decision but did not clarify whether students were informed in advance or whether formal instructions had been issued to colleges. At least one college principal told reporters they had not received any official directive.
Student organizations have submitted a formal complaint to the proctor’s office, demanding the immediate restoration of the walls. In their complaint, students described the move as an attempt to silence democratic expression and warned that eliminating such spaces would fundamentally alter the university’s academic and political culture.
“Removing spaces meant for dialogue and dissent without consultation undermines the democratic character of the university,” the complaint said.
The development comes amid wider concerns raised by academics, students and rights advocates about shrinking space for political debate, protest and dissent on Indian university campuses, particularly in cases involving criticism of government policy.
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