Delhi University tightens rules for campus events, prior approval mandatory

The University of Delhi has tightened rules for organizing events across its colleges, making prior approval compulsory and placing responsibility on organizers to ensure discipline and order on campus.

In a notice dated March 23, the university said that "no event shall be organized without prior permission of the competent authority," directing colleges to obtain clearance before holding any program.

Institutions have been asked to provide detailed information while seeking approval, including "the list of speakers or participants, the nature of the event, duration, and source of funding," indicating a focus on greater transparency.

The guidelines also cover logistical arrangements, with the university noting that "use of loudspeakers, public address systems, and other arrangements shall also require prior approval" and instructing colleges to ensure that events do not disrupt academic activities.

Responsibility for maintaining order has been placed squarely on organizers. The notice said that "the organizers shall be accountable for ensuring that law and order is maintained and that no untoward incident takes place" during events.

The directive further highlights security concerns, asking colleges to regulate the entry of outsiders and implement appropriate monitoring mechanisms.

Warning of strict consequences, the university said that "any deviation from the above guidelines shall invite disciplinary action," making it clear that violations will be dealt with firmly.

The decision follows a series of recent incidents on campus. Protests near the Arts Faculty earlier this year over UGC-related issues turned violent, leading to clashes and a temporary ban on demonstrations. In another instance, a college festival drew a large crowd, including outsiders, resulting in disorder and police intervention.

There have also been protests by School of Open Learning students over alleged exclusion from a university job fair, along with controversy surrounding a private function reportedly held on campus, raising concerns over the use of institutional space.

The university’s latest directive aims to address issues related to crowd management, unauthorized entry, disruption of academic schedules, and lack of prior approvals through stricter and more centralized regulations.