New Delhi: Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) and Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) on Friday advised students to stay away from the ongoing protests near Jantar Mantar over the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak, a day after similar messages were issued by several Delhi University colleges, drawing criticism from teachers, student bodies and opposition leaders.

The advisories come amid continuing demonstrations over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations and heightened security arrangements in central Delhi.

JNU asked students, faculty and staff to refrain from participating in or visiting gatherings around Jantar Mantar, citing Supreme Court directions relating to public demonstrations.

In an advisory posted on social media, the university urged members of its academic community to prioritise their personal safety and cautioned that irresponsible social media activity could attract legal consequences as well as disciplinary action.

Jamia Millia Islamia, while welcoming students to the new academic session, appealed to them to focus on their studies and avoid activities that could adversely affect their academic future.

Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's assurance that students' interests would be protected and action would be taken against those responsible for alleged examination irregularities, the university urged students and other stakeholders to refrain from unlawful activities.

The advisories attracted criticism from opposition leaders, who accused universities of discouraging democratic participation.

Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi criticised Delhi University in a post on X, questioning the move to caution students against participating in protests.

Congress president and Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge also criticised the advisories, alleging that educational institutions were being used to discourage student protests instead of addressing concerns over the examination system.

Teachers' organisations also questioned universities issuing public statements on what they described as a politically contentious issue, arguing that institutions should focus on resolving students' concerns over paper leak allegations and academic reforms.

The JNU Students' Union (JNUSU) rejected the university's advisory, alleging that the administration was threatening students with legal and disciplinary action for exercising their constitutional right to protest peacefully.

The students' body also alleged that Delhi Police had barricaded university gates, detained several students on their way to Jantar Mantar and harassed a student, claims that could not be independently verified.

JNUSU maintained that the ongoing movement was driven by issues such as alleged examination paper leaks, unemployment and reduced public spending on education, and called upon students to continue participating in the protests.

The latest advisories follow similar messages issued earlier by several Delhi University colleges, including Aditi Mahavidyalaya, Shyam Lal College and Shaheed Bhagat Singh College. Rajdhani College had withdrawn an earlier post and apologised after it drew criticism from sections of students and teachers.