Pooja Bhatt Criticises DU Advisory on Student Protests, Backs Right to Peaceful Dissent

Actor-director Pooja Bhatt has criticised Delhi University's advisory asking students and faculty to stay away from demonstrations at Jantar Mantar, saying that protecting students should not come at the cost of suppressing their voices.

Her remarks come amid continuing protests over alleged irregularities in the education system, including the NEET paper leak controversy, which has triggered demonstrations in several parts of the country.

Delhi University Issues Advisory

Delhi University issued a public advisory urging students and faculty members to avoid gatherings and demonstrations at Jantar Mantar, citing concerns over personal safety and compliance with the law.

The university warned that participation in unlawful assemblies could expose students to legal consequences, affect their academic progress and professional opportunities, and advised them to remain cautious of misleading information circulating online.

The advisory emphasised that student safety should remain the top priority.

Pooja Bhatt Responds

Reacting to the advisory on social media platform X, Pooja Bhatt argued that students should be encouraged to express their views peacefully rather than discouraged from participating in public discourse.

She stated that if society is genuinely concerned about students' future, it should support their right to speak instead of suppressing their voices.

Her comments quickly gained attention online and added to the broader public debate surrounding student protests and education reforms.

Student Protests Continue

The demonstrations at Jantar Mantar have been led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), with protesters demanding accountability over alleged examination irregularities and calling for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

According to organisers, similar demonstrations have also taken place in cities including Mumbai and Bengaluru, reflecting growing public attention on examination reforms and transparency.

Government Responds to the Controversy

The Union government has announced several proposed measures following the controversy.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently stated that those accused in the alleged NEET paper leak had been arrested and announced plans to introduce legislation providing:

• Fast-track courts for paper leak cases
• Stricter punishment for offenders
• Stronger measures to safeguard future examinations

Meanwhile, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has accused opposition parties of attempting to politicise the issue, while student groups continue to press for institutional reforms and greater accountability.

Debate Over Student Rights and Education Reform

The controversy has expanded beyond examination irregularities to include wider discussions on students' democratic rights, freedom of expression and institutional accountability.

Public figures from different fields have expressed varying views on the protests, while universities and authorities continue to emphasise safety and legal compliance.

As Parliament debates proposed reforms and student demonstrations continue, the conversation around India's examination system remains firmly in the national spotlight.

Key Highlights

• Pooja Bhatt criticised Delhi University's advisory asking students to avoid protests.
• She said students' voices should be heard rather than suppressed.
• Delhi University cited safety concerns and legal compliance in its advisory.
• Student protests continue over alleged NEET examination irregularities and education reforms.
• The government has proposed fast-track courts and stricter punishment for examination paper leak cases.
• The debate has expanded to include student rights, accountability and education reform.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why did Pooja Bhatt criticise Delhi University's advisory?

Pooja Bhatt argued that students should be supported in exercising their right to express their views peacefully rather than being discouraged from participating in protests.

Why did Delhi University issue the advisory?

The university said the advisory was intended to ensure student safety, encourage compliance with the law and caution against misinformation.

What are the student protests about?

The demonstrations are centred on alleged irregularities in the NEET examination system and demands for greater accountability and education reforms.

What has the government announced?

The government has proposed legislation introducing fast-track courts and stricter punishment for those involved in examination paper leak cases.

Where are the protests taking place?

The main demonstrations have been held at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, with reports of similar protests in other cities.

Why has the issue gained national attention?

The controversy has sparked wider discussions on examination integrity, education reforms, student rights and institutional accountability.