On February 13, 2026, police forcibly detained student protesters during a peaceful campus march at the University of Lucknow.

The demonstrators were demanding stronger equity mechanisms in higher education institutions. Organizers reported a heavy police presence along the route despite having provided advance written notice to the university administration. Police used force to disperse the gathering and detained several student leaders. Eyewitnesses claimed some students were physically dragged while attempting to continue the march.

Scholars at Risk is concerned about the use of force during an on-campus protest and the detention of students for peacefully exercising their right to freedom of expression. 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. 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://thelucknowtribune.org/police-halt-samata-samvardhan-march-at-lucknow-university-students-allege-use-of-force/
https://news.careers360.com/lucknow-university-aisa-nsui-bapsa-bhim-army-samajwadi-student-march-ugc-regulations-stop-policy
https://www.reutersconnect.com/item/india-leftwing-student-organizations-march-in-lucknow-university-demanding-ugc-equity-regulations/dGFnOnJldXRlcnMuY29tLDIwMjY6bmV3c21sX01UMVNJUEEwMDAwUDY4Skk