Delhi High Court Quashes Student Expulsion from Ambedkar University, Upholds Campus Democracy

New Delhi: The Delhi High Court has set aside the expulsion of a student from Ambedkar University in Delhi, ruling that the action violated fundamental rights and principles of campus democracy.

The court annulled the university’s decision to expel Nadia, an MA Development Studies student and leader of SFI, who had been removed in June 2025.

Nadia was initially suspended on March 5, 2025, after she and two SFI activists demanded disciplinary action against students accused of hazing a junior. Some of the accused were allegedly linked to theABVP. While the university later revoked the suspension of the accused students, action against the SFI activists continued.

Challenging the move, Nadia approached the High Court, which had earlier quashed her suspension on April 16, citing flaws in the university’s inquiry process. However, she was again expelled on June 27 for participating in protests, prompting further legal action.

In its latest order, the court directed the university to allow her to attend classes from the new academic session beginning July 3. It strongly criticized the university, stating that action against a student for peaceful protest was unjustifiable and unlawful.

The court emphasized that a university is not merely a place for attending classes but a space for free thought, critical debate, and expression. It observed that institutions cannot suppress ideas or peaceful dissent simply because they differ from the administration’s views, and that non-violent protest is a natural part of a democratic academic environment.

SFI welcomed the verdict, calling it a landmark judgment that upholds fundamental rights and protects democratic values on campuses.