Fresh Protests Erupt at Jamia Millia Islamia After Election Announcement; Students Detained

Fresh protests broke out at Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) in New Delhi on Monday, October 26, hours after the university administration announced a plan to resume student union elections following a gap of nearly two decades.

Several students were detained by Delhi Police as demonstrations continued over demands for the restoration of the Jamia Millia Islamia Students’ Union (JMISU). Protesters insisted that the administration provide a clear election schedule and appoint a chief election officer to oversee the process.

The students also raised slogans against the police and university administration, including “Delhi Police, go back”.

The agitation, which began on October 12, has continued despite negotiations between student representatives and university officials. The central dispute concerns the absence of an elected student body since 2006 and the lack of a definite timeline for restoring it.

University Announces Student Union Elections

On October 26, the university issued an order stating that student union elections would be held within 15 days of the approval of the students’ union constitution.

The announcement followed several hours of discussions between university officials and representatives of the protesting students.

The administration also agreed to revoke suspension and show-cause notices issued to students during the agitation. In addition, it said a committee would be constituted to investigate the conduct of security personnel during the protests.

However, the order did not specify a deadline for approving the union constitution. Students argued that the announcement therefore failed to provide the certainty they had been demanding.

The university's order also recorded conditions concerning a public apology by protesters for allegedly defamatory statements, actions or social media posts directed at the administration. Students objected to this condition and questioned why it had been included in the agreement.

Why Are Jamia Students Protesting?

The current agitation began on October 12, when students launched a protest demanding the restoration of the JMISU.

The university has not held student union elections since 2006. Students say the absence of an elected representative body has weakened their ability to raise academic, administrative and campus-related grievances with the university authorities.

Their demands include:

• Restoration of the Jamia Millia Islamia Students’ Union.

• A clear and time-bound schedule for student union elections.

• Appointment of a chief election officer to oversee the electoral process.

• Withdrawal of disciplinary action against protesting students.

• An independent inquiry into the conduct of security personnel during the agitation.

• Resignation of the university’s chief proctor.

• Resolution of concerns relating to campus access, classes and other student facilities.

Students have maintained that the constitution-drafting process must include clear deadlines so that the administration cannot indefinitely postpone the elections.

Students Detained as Security Is Tightened

Tensions escalated on October 26 as students attempted to enter the campus and continue their demonstrations.

Around 100 female students reportedly entered the campus through different gates, with some gathering near Gate No. 7. Police and other security personnel were deployed in significant numbers, and several protesters were detained.

Reports indicated that more than 40 students were briefly detained during the wider confrontation, while security deployment increased substantially.

Students alleged that access restrictions had made it difficult for protesters to reach the demonstration site. The administration and security personnel maintained restrictions amid concerns over the continuing agitation.

The situation remained tense despite the university’s announcement on student union elections.

Hunger Strike Continues Despite Administrative Assurances

The protest has also involved an indefinite hunger strike by students seeking restoration of the union.

Several students began fasting during the agitation, with others joining as negotiations with the administration continued. Even after the October 26 announcement, some students refused to end their hunger strike, arguing that the order did not guarantee when the union constitution would be approved.

Student representatives questioned whether the administration would approve the constitution within the proposed timeline and demanded a binding commitment.

The university, meanwhile, had sought an end to the agitation following the issuance of its order. The disagreement over the interpretation and implementation of the agreement became another point of friction between students and the administration.

University Revokes Suspension and Show-Cause Notices

One significant outcome of the negotiations was the university’s decision to revoke suspension and show-cause notices issued to students during the protests.

The administration also agreed to establish a committee to examine the conduct of security personnel during the agitation.

However, students objected to the condition requiring a public apology for statements and social media posts directed at the administration. Some protesters maintained that peaceful demonstrations were a legitimate way to raise concerns about student representation.

The disagreement over the apology condition and the absence of a definite date for approving the union constitution meant that the announcement did not immediately bring the protest to an end.

Online Classes Continue Amid Campus Tensions

The university had shifted classes across courses to online mode amid the escalating protests and security concerns.

Students were advised to avoid visiting the campus, while access to certain areas, including the protest site, remained restricted.

The administration subsequently indicated that online classes would continue through the Diwali holidays until November 8, when the situation would be reviewed. The university also said examinations would be conducted online, with departments determining the arrangements in consultation with the examination authorities.

The restrictions have added to concerns among students about access to campus facilities, including libraries and canteens.

Jamia’s Student Union Has Been Without Elections Since 2006

The restoration of the JMISU is at the centre of the ongoing dispute.

Students argue that an elected union is necessary to represent their interests and provide a formal channel for communication with the administration on matters such as admissions, hostel accommodation, food services, academic concerns and campus facilities.

The university has begun the process of drafting a new constitution for the union. A committee has been tasked with examining the circumstances surrounding the union’s dissolution, relevant court rulings and the recommendations of the Lyngdoh Committee on student elections.

The committee is expected to prepare a draft constitution by December 20, according to reports. However, students want a clear deadline for approval of the constitution and the subsequent conduct of elections.

What Happens Next?

The immediate question is whether the university administration and protesting students can reach an agreement on the remaining demands.

The administration has announced a process for holding elections after approval of the constitution and has withdrawn disciplinary notices. Students, however, continue to demand a fixed timetable, the appointment of a chief election officer and action on their other concerns.

The university has also issued a notice directing protesters to vacate the protest site, warning that disciplinary action could follow if they fail to comply.

The continuation of the hunger strike and restrictions on campus access suggest that the dispute remains unresolved. Further negotiations and the implementation of the university’s commitments will be crucial to determining whether normal academic activities can resume fully.

Key Takeaways

• Fresh protests erupted at Jamia Millia Islamia on October 26, 2026, after the university announced plans to resume student union elections.

• The university said elections would take place within 15 days of approval of the union constitution.

• Students demanded a definite election schedule and the appointment of a chief election officer.

• Several protesters were detained by Delhi Police as tensions escalated.

• The JMISU has not held elections since 2006.

• The university agreed to revoke suspension and show-cause notices issued during the protest.

• The administration also promised an inquiry into the conduct of security personnel.

• Students objected to a condition requiring a public apology and said key demands remained unresolved.

• Online classes are scheduled to continue through the Diwali holidays until November 8, when the situation is expected to be reviewed.

• The university has issued a notice directing protesters to vacate the protest site.

Bottom Line

The latest protests at Jamia Millia Islamia highlight the continuing disagreement between students and the university administration over the restoration of student union elections. Although the administration has announced that elections will follow approval of the union constitution and has withdrawn disciplinary notices, students say the absence of a firm deadline leaves the process uncertain.

The outcome will depend on whether the administration provides a clear timetable, addresses the remaining demands and implements its commitments while ensuring that academic activities can return to normal.