Hansraj college cracks down: 30 students including union leaders suspended; DUSU calls it direct attack on campus democracy

Tension is brewing inside Hansraj College and it’s not about exams this time. A sudden wave of suspensions has left corridors buzzing, WhatsApp groups exploding, and student politics heating up.

Around 30 students, including four key members of the Students’ Union, have been shown the door at least for now. The college says rules were broken. Students say voices are being crushed. Somewhere in between lies a story that has quickly turned into a campus flashpoint.

Advertisement

Also Read: Around 12.96 lakh passengers returned ro India from Gulf region since Feb 28: Govt

Fest fallout: What triggered the action

The Hansraj College has suspended around 30 students, including four office-bearers of its Students’ Union, citing allegations ranging from “defaming the college through social media platforms” to “use of derogatory language”. The notices in this regard were served between April… pic.twitter.com/sRZNy5thtJ

Advertisement

— The Statesman (@TheStatesmanLtd) April 27, 2026

The trouble traces back to the college’s annual fest held on April 8 and 9. What should have been two days of music and celebration reportedly spiralled into chaos.

According to official notices, multiple students were involved in incidents ranging from physical violence to disruption of campus order. One notice, issued on April 20, singled out a student for “indiscipline,” accusing them of defaming the institution on social media and using derogatory language against both teaching and non-teaching staff.

A second notice widened the net. Fourteen students were named for alleged involvement in violence and disorder during the fest. The administration described the incidents as serious enough to disturb the campus environment.

Then came the biggest move.

Union leaders suspended, entry banned

On April 25, the college escalated matters by suspending four elected office-bearers of the Students’ Union for the 2025-26 term. The order was immediate and labelled as “interim,” meaning it will remain in place until further directions.

In total, about 30 students are now under suspension.

The restrictions are strict. Those suspended cannot enter college premises during this period. The only exception is that they can show up for exams and internal assessments.

What stands out is the uncertainty. The suspension has no fixed timeline. There is no clarity on how long it will last or what final outcome might be.

Student body hits back hard

The backlash was quick and loud. Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) has openly challenged the decision, calling it an attack on student democracy.

DUSU President Aryaman Sai did not hold back. He questioned the intent behind suspending elected representatives, asking whether their “crime” was simply speaking up or pointing out administrative failures.

He accused the college of trying to silence student leadership and described the move as an abuse of power. His words were sharp: suspensions like these, he said, are not governance but fear.

Sai also demanded that the suspensions be revoked immediately and without conditions.

He framed it as a larger issue about what campuses are meant to be. According to him, universities should encourage debate, dissent, accountability, not clamp down on it.