Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) in New Delhi has agreed to hold students’ union elections within 15 days of approval of the union’s constitution, but protests continued on October 28, 2026, as students sought a definite election schedule and resolution of other outstanding demands.
The university’s October 26 order revoked suspension and show-cause notices issued during the agitation and promised an inquiry into security personnel’s conduct. However, students objected to the absence of a deadline for approving the constitution, the requirement for a public apology over alleged defamatory statements and unresolved disciplinary issues.
As the agitation entered its 16th day, Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi said negotiations were underway, while students described the talks as having reached a deadlock. Meanwhile, the university extended online classes and shifted second mid-term examinations online through November 8. The dispute remains unresolved, with the restoration of elected student representation at its centre.
Polls Without A Timeline
The university’s decision followed weeks of agitation by students demanding the restoration of the Jamia Millia Islamia Students’ Union (JMISU). According to an order issued by Registrar Md Mahtab Alam Rizvi on October 26, elections will take place 15 days after the union’s constitution is approved.
However, the order does not specify when that approval must be granted, leaving the election schedule uncertain. Students have sought a formal commitment to completing the constitutional process by December 20, followed by a clear election notification.
The university has also agreed to revoke suspension and show-cause notices issued during the protest and establish a committee to examine the conduct of security personnel. Yet the order includes a condition requiring students to issue a public apology at a press conference for alleged defamatory statements, actions or social media posts against the administration, and to remove the relevant posts.
Students have challenged this condition, arguing that the agreement does not address all their concerns. Lubaib Basheer, one of the protest organisers, told The Indian Express that the agitation would continue until the administration provided a fixed timeline for the constitutional process and elections and addressed the remaining demands.
How The Protest Began
The agitation began on October 12, when students launched a hunger strike demanding the restoration of the elected union, which has not held elections since 2006. Their demands also included the withdrawal of disciplinary action against protesters, an inquiry into the conduct of security personnel and action against senior campus officials.
The protest intensified amid tensions between students and campus security, with reports of clashes, restrictions on campus access and police deployment. Before the October 26 order, a university-appointed committee had argued that elections could not be announced without first establishing a constitution and electoral mechanism.
The administration subsequently formed a committee to draft the union’s constitution, with a submission deadline of December 20. However, students have questioned whether drafting the document will guarantee its timely approval and the announcement of elections.
They have also said the latest order does not adequately address students who face campus restrictions or rustication, including concerns raised by those participating in the hunger strike. The university, meanwhile, has directed protesters to call off the agitation.
On October 28, Education Minister Pralhad Joshi said negotiations were continuing and urged students not to create a law-and-order problem on campus. Students, however, maintained that the discussions had reached a deadlock.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Student representation is an important part of campus life, giving students a recognised channel to raise concerns, participate in discussions and seek accountability from university authorities. At the same time, universities have a responsibility to maintain safety, protect academic continuity and ensure that disagreements do not escalate into confrontation.
Jamia’s decision to resume union elections is a significant procedural step, but its effectiveness will depend on transparent timelines, fair rules and meaningful engagement with students. A process that leaves key dates uncertain or conditions agreement on disputed requirements risks prolonging mistrust rather than resolving it. Equally, peaceful protest and open dialogue must remain central to addressing disagreements between students and administrators.
The university and student representatives now have an opportunity to move beyond competing statements and establish a credible, time-bound path towards elections while resolving outstanding disciplinary concerns fairly. Can a lasting resolution be achieved unless both the administration and students agree on clear timelines, accountability and a constructive way forward?
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