JMI Constitutes Committee to Draft Constitution of Jamia Millia Islamia Students’ Union

New Delhi, October 21, 2026: Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) has reiterated its commitment to resolving the ongoing student protest through dialogue, mutual trust and constructive engagement.

Following the constitution of a high-level seven-member committee, comprising senior Deans and Professors, on October 18, 2026, to engage with protesting students and examine their demands, the committee initiated a series of discussions and took further steps to address the issue of student representation on campus.

The committee reached out to the protesting students the following morning, on October 19, and visited the protest site to initiate dialogue. The initial interaction was productive and laid the groundwork for further engagement.

Subsequently, the committee sought a list of bona fide students and invited a representative group for a discussion at the office of the Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences. In response, student representatives attended a two-hour meeting on October 20, where their grievances were heard and discussed.

A further meeting was held at 6:30 pm the same day at the office of the Dean of Students’ Welfare (DSW) to formalise the minutes of the discussion and incorporate the broad suggestions put forward by the students. However, despite several rounds of discussion and efforts to finalise the document, the students did not agree to sign the minutes.

Committee reviews way forward

Notwithstanding this, the committee and the JMI administration have continued efforts to find a resolution. Under the chairmanship of Vice-Chancellor Prof Mazhar Asif, and in the presence of Registrar Prof Md Mahtab Alam Rizvi, a meeting was convened on Tuesday with members of the high-level committee constituted on October 18.

The meeting was attended by all Deans of Faculties, the Dean of Students’ Welfare, the Controller of Examinations, the Dean of Academic Affairs, the Chief Proctor, all Provosts, the Chief Public Relations Officer and the Security Advisor.

The meeting deliberated on the committee’s recommendations and its discussions with students, and explored a way forward to restore peace and normalcy on campus.

Committee to draft JMISU constitution

Following detailed discussions, JMI announced and notified the constitution of a committee to draft the Constitution of the Jamia Millia Islamia Students’ Union (JMISU), in furtherance of Article 23(J) and (K) of the JMI Act, 1988.

The committee will examine the circumstances that led to the dissolution of JMISU in 2006, relevant rulings of competent courts concerning JMISU, and the recommendations of the Lyngdoh Committee (2007).

The university said a comprehensive review was necessary because the last Students’ Union was dissolved in 2006. In the intervening two decades, several developments have taken place, making it necessary to review the issue in light of the prevailing legal and institutional framework.

The committee will examine existing court orders concerning Students’ Union elections at JMI, the Lyngdoh Committee’s recommendations on student bodies and union elections in universities, colleges and other higher-education institutions, as well as the applicable ordinances and statutes of Jamia Millia Islamia.

Medical support for hunger-striking students

As part of its efforts to safeguard the well-being of protesting students, the university administration has deputed a medical team under the supervision of Chief Medical Officer Dr Irshad Husain Naqvi to continuously monitor the health parameters of students on hunger strike.

An ambulance has also been stationed at the protest site to ensure immediate medical attention, should the need arise.

University appeals for responsible protest

JMI said it recognises freedom of expression as a fundamental right and an essential component of the democratic process. The university remains committed to providing students with appropriate avenues to express their views, concerns and dissent peacefully.

In this spirit, the administration has created a designated space for students to exercise their right to free expression and has earmarked Gate No. 18 for student protests. However, students have been protesting at Ghalib Lawns since October 12.

The administration expressed deep concern over the alleged defacement of the historic Ghalib statue, which it described as a symbol of the university’s identity and heritage. It also expressed concern over damage to university gates, particularly Gate No. 7, named after the country’s first Education Minister, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, as well as other gates, walls, departmental building facades and common areas.

The destruction of property in and around the central lawn surrounding the Ghalib statue is a matter of serious concern, the university said, adding that the graffiti on the historic statue was particularly regrettable.

While firmly upholding the right to peaceful protest and dissent, the university appealed to students to exercise these rights responsibly and to protect the infrastructure and heritage of the 106-year-old institution.

Commitment to resolution

The administration said it was making every effort to address the issue of student representation, which has remained unresolved for nearly two decades.

Recognising the importance and complexity of the matter, the university said it is committed to examining it comprehensively and arriving at a solution consistent with the Lyngdoh Committee recommendations, the JMI Act, 1988, the university’s applicable ordinances and statutes, and relevant court orders concerning Students’ Union elections at JMI.

JMI reiterated its commitment to safeguarding students’ rights, upholding democratic values and restoring peace and normalcy on campus, while protecting the university’s academic environment, heritage and national and international standing.