For decades, Delhi has been the centre of student movements demanding justice, educational reforms, and democratic rights. While every government has maintained that police action was necessary to maintain law and order, student groups and human rights organisations have repeatedly accused authorities of using excessive force, arbitrary detentions, and intimidation against peaceful protesters. Several incidents have also ended in tragic deaths, intensifying public anger.
Jamia Millia Islamia – December 2019
One of the most controversial incidents occurred during protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). Police entered the Jamia Millia Islamia campus after violence erupted nearby. Students alleged that tear gas, batons and force were used inside the university library and hostels, leaving dozens injured. The incident sparked nationwide demonstrations and drew criticism from rights groups.
Delhi Riots – February 2020
The anti-CAA protests were followed by the North-East Delhi riots, in which 53 people lost their lives. While the victims were not exclusively students, several students and youth activists were directly affected, and universities witnessed fear, disruption and prolonged legal cases involving student activists.
NEET Paper Leak Protests – 2024
Following allegations of irregularities in the NEET-UG examination, students held demonstrations in Delhi demanding accountability and reforms. Protesters were detained, FIRs were registered against some demonstrators, and student organizations alleged suppression of peaceful protests. The controversy led to investigations and legal proceedings over the examination process.
Death of Three UPSC Aspirants – July 2024
Three civil services aspirants drowned after floodwater entered the basement of a coaching centre in Old Rajinder Nagar. The tragedy triggered massive protests by students, who blamed civic negligence and demanded accountability. Police detained hundreds of demonstrators as protests intensified, with students alleging they were treated like criminals despite seeking justice for the victims.
Student Suicide and Harassment Allegations – 2025
A Class 10 student in Delhi died by suicide after allegedly facing prolonged harassment. The incident led to protests by parents and students, police investigations, and the suspension of teachers. The case reignited concerns over institutional accountability and student welfare.
Education Protests – 2026
In 2026, thousands of students and young people protested in Delhi over examination scandals and alleged paper leaks. Police used tear gas and baton charges during clashes, leaving many protesters injured. Protesters linked the demonstrations to wider frustrations over repeated exam controversies, unemployment, and reports of student suicides associated with examination stress. Authorities stated they were maintaining public order and later initiated talks with protest representatives.
Delhi has repeatedly witnessed major student-led protests over education, public policy, and governance. While governments have defended police action as necessary to maintain law and order, critics argue that excessive force and inadequate responses to student concerns have deepened mistrust. Incidents ranging from campus policing to coaching-centre tragedies and examination controversies have kept student safety, accountability, and democratic rights at the center of national debate.
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