The All India Students’ Association (AISA) has strongly condemned the campus ban imposed on Comrade Saurabh, a PhD scholar from the Department of Hindi at Jamia Millia Islamia. The ban, issued on November 20 by the Chief Proctor’s office, cites three incidents related to student protests, including one held on the anniversary of the 2008 Batla House encounter.
According to the proctorial notice, Saurabh allegedly disturbed “peace and tranquillity” on campus and was involved in creating a ruckus during an examination. However, the scholar has denied the allegations, calling them “fabricated and unsubstantiated.”
“On 20 November, I received an email stating that the campus had been closed for me,”Saurabh told FoEJ Media
The first allegation against me was about creating a disturbance in the examination hall. They claimed there was ruckus, but there is no CCTV footage to support this. Everything is based on assumption.” He added.
AISA Accuses Administration of Targeting Dissent
In a press release issued on Thursday, AISA labelled the ban as “targeted suppression of democratic rights,” alleging that peaceful student protests were being criminalised.
The organisation highlighted the September 19 protest against the Batla House encounter, where students alleged that the university’s chief security advisor physically assaulted them. Despite multiple complaints, no action has been taken against the official, AISA said.
“Where Saurabh is being punished for participating peacefully, the real culprit—who attacked students—continues to hold his post,” the statement read.
AISA argued that Saurabh’s case fits into a larger pattern of disciplinary actions used to silence dissenting voices on campus.
Demands Raised by AISA
The students’ organisation has placed two key demands before the university: immediate and unconditional revocation of the campus ban on Saurabh, an end to systematic suppression of dissent and restoration of democratic rights on campus.
Saurabh to Challenge the Ban in Court
Saurabh, who maintains that all allegations are politically motivated, said he is prepared to take the matter to court.
“I will now take legal action. This is not just about me—this is about the right of students to protest without fear,” he said.
AISA has announced that it will continue its campaign until the ban is revoked and accountability is ensured within the university’s security administration.
