Jamia Millia Islamia has set a deadline to approve and implement its students’ union constitution and directed that elections be held within six weeks of the next academic session, ending a protest that included an 18-day hunger strike and disrupted campus operations.
In a late-night order, the university Registrar’s office fixed May 15, 2027, as the deadline for approving and implementing the Jamia Millia Islamia Students’ Union constitution. The order also directed that elections be conducted in accordance with the Lyngdoh Committee guidelines and within six weeks of the start of the academic session.
The next academic session is expected to begin on July 15, 2027. The university’s direction therefore places the election window after the start of that session, subject to the constitution being approved and implemented by the stated deadline.
The order also directed the withdrawal of ongoing showcause notices, disciplinary proceedings, rustications, suspensions and campus ban orders issued in connection with the protest. It asked students to call off their agitation and hunger strike with immediate effect.
The decision followed more than 20 days of student protests on campus. Five students had been on hunger strike, with Ebin completing 18 days before breaking his fast after the Registrar’s order was read out beneath Ghalib’s statue in the Gulistan-e-Ghalib compound. Students quoted the order as saying that the competent authority had considered a request submitted by them and issued directions on the students’ union constitution, elections and withdrawal of disciplinary action.
More than 1,000 students later joined a march on Jamia’s main road. Gate 7, which had remained closed for weeks, was opened and police personnel were pulled back, according to the report. Ebin said the administration had agreed to the students’ demands and described the development as a victory for students and democracy. Protest organiser Javadh said the next step would be decided collectively through consensus.
The protest had also affected the university’s academic calendar and public events. Jamia had cancelled its Foundation Day celebrations and the Talimi Mela, scheduled from October 29 to November 1, citing the agitation. The university turned 106 on Thursday, while students held their own event in the Gulistan-e-Ghalib compound.
Academic activities were disrupted after a Registrar’s order shifted odd-semester teaching online until November 24. Practical and viva examinations were scheduled online from November 25 to 30, followed by theory examinations from December 1 to 24. The university had said the campus situation was not conducive to an academic environment.
The order now provides a formal sequence for the restoration of student representation: approval and implementation of the constitution by May 15, 2027, followed by elections within six weeks of the academic session beginning. It also requires the withdrawal of protest-related disciplinary action as students end the agitation.
