On April 11, 2025, Ambedkar University Delhi guards and Delhi police forcibly dispersed members of the Students’ Federation of India (SFI) during a student demonstration.

In the days leading up to the protest, SFI had tried to meet with the vice chancellor to discuss their concerns about harassment and bullying on the campus, but their requests were ignored. In anticipation of protests, the university erected barricades, deployed heavy security, and banned protests in the administrative areas. In response to the university’s actions, the students staged a sit-in and hunger strike that began on April 8.

On the afternoon of April 11, a group of SFI members attempted to speak with the vice chancellor as he was leaving his office. University guards and Delhi police, who were already present on campus, responded with physical force including batons.

On April 13, the university suspended five SFI students for their participation in the protest, alleging that they had attempted to assault the vice chancellor, obstructed police, and put university officials at risk. SFI rejected the allegations, claiming that they were peacefully protesting.

Scholars at Risk is concerned about the use of force during an on-campus protest. While state and university authorities have the responsibility to maintain order and prevent disruption, they must refrain from the disproportionate use of force and endangerment of civilians and must respect the right to freedom of association and freedom of expression. Students and members of the public must refrain from violence, especially on campus, and also respect the right to freedom of association and freedom of expression. Such actions, beyond harming the immediate victims, have a chilling effect on academic freedom.

Sources:
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/aud-suspends-five-more-students-says-they-tried-to-obstruct-public-servants/articleshow/120241189.cms
https://frontline.thehindu.com/news/ambedkar-university-delhi-suspensions-student-protests-crackdown-dissent-academic-freedom/article69448488.ece
https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/delhi/2025/Apr/11/ambedkar-university-students-launch-indefinite-hunger-strike
https://www.deccanherald.com/india/delhi/tension-soars-at-delhis-ambedkar-university-sfi-accuses-admin-of-crackdown-on-protesters-3490594
https://maktoobmedia.com/india/sfi-accuses-ambedkar-university-of-being-biased-as-suspension-of-three-students-not-revoked/