Jamia Millia Islamia to restore student union after two-week protest

Hunger strikers declare victory after 18-day agitation

Student leaders who participated in the agitation declared the administration's decision a victory for the campus community. Ebin Basil, a third-year law student who began his hunger strike on October 12, stated, "This is a great victory for the students; it will be written in golden letters in Jamia's history".

Rehan Mewati, who joined the hunger strike for 15 days, told the news agency ANI, "The truth has triumphed". The protest was held to demand the restoration of the students' union, which had been suspended for 20 years.

Basil reported losing 7kg during the strike and stated, "My condition is very bad". At this moment, "I am not even able to walk on my own right now".

Students rejected earlier administrative offers

Students previously rejected an administrative order issued on October 26, 2026, because it lacked a specific timeline and required students to apologize for social media posts and defamatory statements. Ebin Basil dismissed the administration's previous proposal to conduct elections within 15 days of approving a draft union constitution as "too slow".

On October 16, the situation intensified after the university imposed a one-year suspension on Ebin Basil and prohibited two additional hunger strikers from entering the campus. Additionally, a show-cause notice was sent by the university to a female resident of the Begum Hazrat Mahal Girls' Hostel, requiring a written response within 24 hours regarding allegations that she secured emergency leave under false pretenses to join the protest.

In response to the ongoing unrest, the university formed a seven-member committee of senior deans and professors to examine the grievances raised by students.

Political and ministerial reactions to the campus unrest

Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi condemned the alleged violence at the university. He cautioned that the government would not permit "hooliganism" or "rowdy behaviour" and declared that those responsible would face consequences.

Congress leader Pawan Khera criticized the university’s closure. He characterized the current state as an "undeclared emergency," contending that students were facing restrictions for utilizing their constitutional right to form associations under Article 19(1)(c).

Historical context of the 20-year union suspension

The Jamia Millia Islamia Students' Union was originally dissolved in 2006 following a series of violent incidents, including an attack on the Vice Chancellor. Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi noted that elections have not been held since that year.

Since 2012, the university administration had maintained that elections could not be held because of a pending petition in the Delhi High Court.

Influence of Aligarh Muslim University agitation

The protest at Jamia was influenced by a similar agitation at Aligarh Muslim University. At that institution, the administration agreed to hold elections on November 5, 2026, following a 19-day hunger strike.

Academic calendar and Foundation Day celebrations

The university celebrated its 106th Foundation Day on October 29, 2026. Jamia Millia Islamia has shifted to online classes and examinations, citing that the campus is not conducive for an academic environment.

Practical examinations and project vivas are scheduled for November 25 to 30, with theory exams following from December 1 to December 24. Winter break at the university is planned from December 25 to January 12, and classes for the even semester are slated to commence on January 13, 2027.