On August 5, 2025, Indian police clashed with members of the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) during protests demanding the resumption of student union elections in Rajasthan.

The elections were originally suspended in 2023 due to the requisitioning of college buildings and the implementation of elements of a new education policy. During the August 2025 demonstration in Jaipur, NSUI members marched through the streets and blocked traffic to draw attention to their cause. Security forces deployed water cannons to disperse the crowd. Authorities detained 36 NSUI members, including several prominent leaders.

Scholars at Risk is concerned about the use of force and detention of students during a peaceful student protest. While state 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. Such actions, beyond harming the immediate victims, have a chilling effect on academic freedom.

Sources:
*SAR identified this incident in data made publicly available by the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED)
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/rajasthan/sachin-pilot-joins-nsui-protest-for-restoration-of-student-union-elections-in-rajasthan/article69897341.ece
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/jaipur/nsui-protest-in-rajasthan-students-demand-immediate-union-elections-sachin-pilot-joins-protest/articleshow/123115571.cms