Delhi University (DU) has officially denied allegations of removing the designated 'walls of democracy' from its campus, asserting that these crucial spaces for student expression remain intact. The administration's statement on Friday, January 9, 2026, came in response to a viral video and subsequent protests by student groups.
Controversy Erupts Over Viral Video
The controversy ignited after a video circulated on social media showing security personnel preventing two students affiliated with the Students' Federation of India (SFI) from pasting posters near St Stephen's College. The students were protesting against the Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhishthan Bill. In the video, the guards allegedly informed the students that the 'walls of democracy' had been removed, sparking immediate backlash and accusations of shrinking democratic spaces within the university.
DU Registrar Vikas Gupta addressed the issue directly, telling The Indian Express that the administration had not dismantled any walls. He explained that the temporary restriction on pasting posters was solely to facilitate cleaning and maintenance. "The wall of democracy is going to stay intact. It is not being removed under any circumstances," Gupta stated emphatically.
University's Plan: Expansion, Not Removal
Contrary to the allegations, the university administration revealed plans to actually increase such designated spaces. Registrar Gupta announced that DU intends to create more 'walls of democracy' and other designated areas across various campuses in time for the next student election cycle. This move, he said, is aimed at accommodating student political activities while preventing the defacement of other campus property.
"In fact, DU will come up with more walls and create more designated spaces across campus during election time for students to paste posters… and to ensure no defacement happens on campus," Gupta added. This clarification seeks to align with the university's recent guidelines, reiterated months prior, which focused on preventing defacement during DU Students' Union (DUSU) elections while encouraging colleges to expand poster spaces.
Addressing Miscommunication and Security Conduct
The incident highlighted a significant case of miscommunication. Joint Proctor Manoj Kumar Singh acknowledged the confusion, stating, "There was some miscommunication earlier. The administration has not removed any wall of democracy. It is intact and will be intact." The SFI had submitted a formal written memorandum to the university's proctorial office regarding the incident.
Regarding the actions of the security staff visible in the viral video, Chief Security Officer Gaje Singh Dahiya confirmed that the administration is examining the matter. "We are looking into it and will be taking action against the security officers if they acted in an inappropriate manner," Dahiya said. He added that the complaint filed by the students is also under review.
The 'walls of democracy' are clearly marked boards located near key areas like the Faculty of Arts, St Stephen's College, and Daulat Ram College. They serve as vital physical platforms for political expression on a campus with otherwise strict regulations. Outside of formal election periods, students routinely use these walls to announce protests, meetings, and campaigns concerning a wide range of academic and social issues.
