A controversy erupted at Delhi University after a viral video showed students being stopped from pasting posters on the ‘Walls of Democracy.’ Student groups alleged curbs on free expression, while the university denied removing the walls, calling it a temporary restriction for maintenance.
At Delhi University, the ‘Walls of Democracy’ are designated physical spaces on campus where students have traditionally pasted posters, notices, and political messages. They can be located around the North and South campuses, clearly marked with the sign of ‘Wall Of Democracy.’ These function as important democratic forums for student expression—covering protests, social issues, academic campaigns, and political debates. These spaces are specially used during the DUSU elections but also outside them for free speech and political discourse.
Recently, a video surfaced on the internet, which was then circulated by student organisations, showing university security personnel stopping members of the Students’ Federation of India (SFI) from pasting posters near the St Stephen’s campus wall and declaring that ‘Walls of Democracy’ have been removed. This particular incident sparked widespread criticism and concern that the university was shrinking democratic spaces on campus.
The lack of clarity over whether any official order had been issued further added to confusion, leading to uneven enforcement on the ground. This ambiguity intensified tensions between student groups and the administration, turning what began as a localised confrontation into a university-wide debate on the regulation of student expression.
Many allegations surfaced, such as boards identifying these walls being removed without prior notice or without any consultations with the student bodies. The decision is being claimed as a move to undermine political dialogue within the university. SFI and other student unions further submitted a formal complaint to the proctorial office demanding their reinstatement.
The University replied to this uproar today in a statement reported by The Indian Express—denying the removal of the walls. The Registrar said,
“The wall of democracy is going to stay intact. It is not being removed under any circumstances. We’ve only stopped students from pasting posters for the time being as the wall was getting full and we wanted to clean it.”
He also mentioned in the statement that the university is planning on adding more such walls ahead of the student elections to expand democratic spaces and prevent defacement on campuses. The university acknowledged the confusion around the incident and said it would investigate the conduct of security personnel seen in the video.
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Image Credits: DU Beat
Shreya Bhushan
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