New Delhi: Jamia Millia Islamia has suspended a PhD student for five days following a protest at the university on September 28. The action came after a gathering at the Central Canteen over the recent eviction of hostel residents, particularly women hostellers.

According to a show-cause notice issued by the university’s Chief Proctor, the PhD Sociology student was suspended from September 28 to October 2 and barred from entering the campus during the period. The notice alleged that the student participated in an “unauthorised gathering” and delivered a speech that publicised what the university described as “misleading accounts and rumours”.

The university also alleged that the gathering encouraged other students to breach disciplinary rules. According to the notice, the protest took place at around 5 pm and disrupted the routine functioning of the north campus, affecting teaching, learning and research activities in nearby classrooms, laboratories and libraries.

The student has also been asked to explain why a higher punishment should not be imposed by the university’s Discipline Committee. The notice referred to university ordinances governing student discipline.

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The All India Students’ Association’s Jamia unit has opposed the suspension and demanded that it be withdrawn. AISA said the protest concerned hostel accommodation, living conditions and the quality of food being served to students. The organisation alleged that the student was targeted for speaking in support of women students.

AISA also argued that the university’s action affected students’ right to peaceful protest and referred to a Delhi High Court order concerning student demonstrations. The organisation said it would continue its protest until the suspension is revoked.

The university, meanwhile, said students have a designated location near Gate No. 18 where they can gather and express their views. It maintained that protests should not interfere with classes or the regular academic schedule.

On the hostel issue, a university official said rooms are allotted according to merit under university rules and that the students concerned did not meet the eligibility criteria.

The dispute centres on two issues — the university’s disciplinary rules governing student protests and the administration’s decisions on hostel accommodation.

Jamia has identified a designated area near Gate No. 18 for student gatherings. The administration has maintained that students can protest there but cannot disrupt academic activities. AISA, on the other hand, has characterised the September 28 action as a protest concerning hostel conditions and students’ rights.

The immediate suspension is for five days, but the university’s notice also asks the student to explain why a higher punishment should not be imposed by the Discipline Committee. This means the matter could lead to further disciplinary proceedings.

The hostel dispute is also a separate part of the disagreement. The university says hostel rooms are allocated according to merit and eligibility rules, while AISA has raised concerns about the eviction of residents, accommodation, living conditions and food quality. These positions remain contested between the administration and the student organisation.