Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) has issued an advisory asking its students, faculty members and staff to stay away from gatherings at and around Jantar Mantar in Delhi. The university released the warning as student-led protests over the NEET-UG paper leak controversy continue in the national capital. Protesters have also demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. JNU's move comes shortly after Delhi University (DU) issued a similar advisory to its campus community.

JNU urged everyone associated with the university to act responsibly and give priority to their personal safety. The university referred to the Supreme Court's directions on public demonstrations while asking students, teachers and staff not to participate in or visit protest sites near Jantar Mantar. The advisory stated, “All stakeholders of JNU’s epistemic community are advised to act responsibly and prioritise their personal safety.”

The university also asked members of its community to remain careful while using social media. It advised students, faculty members and staff to show restraint and responsibility while posting or sharing content online. JNU warned that any violation could invite legal action under applicable laws. It also said disciplinary proceedings could follow under the university's code of conduct.

Along with the warning, JNU called on its students, teachers and staff to uphold what it described as the values of “academic responsibility and responsible citizenship”. The advisory has placed JNU alongside Delhi University as both institutions have now cautioned their campus communities against taking part in the ongoing protests at Jantar Mantar.

Delhi University had earlier issued its own advisory asking students and faculty members to avoid what it described as unlawful or unauthorised gatherings at Jantar Mantar. The university said demonstrations at the protest site are regulated under directions issued by the Supreme Court. It warned that joining unlawful assemblies could lead to legal action.

DU also alerted students about the possible impact such legal proceedings could have on their academic and professional future. The university said involvement in legal cases could affect their academic progress and future career opportunities. It asked students to stay cautious and avoid situations that could lead to such consequences.

The university also raised concerns over the spread of fake, altered and misleading content related to the protests on social media. It advised students to verify information before sharing or reacting to online posts linked to the demonstrations. In its advisory, DU said, “Your safety matters to us,” while urging students to give importance to their personal safety and follow the law.

The advisory issued by Delhi University drew criticism from Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi. He questioned the university's warning and accused the institution of trying to intimidate students who wished to exercise their democratic rights. Gandhi also said those responsible for issuing such warnings would eventually be held accountable.

Rahul Gandhi, along with other leaders from the INDIA bloc, also visited Gandhi Smriti amid heavy security arrangements. They met families affected by the NEET-UG paper leak controversy and expressed solidarity with those injured during the protests.

Despite the advisories issued by both universities, the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which has led the protests at Jantar Mantar, has said that its agitation will continue. The organisation has maintained that it will not end the protest until Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigns.

CJP spokesperson Deepak Balyan said that assurances related to fast-track courts and action in paper leak cases do not address the main concerns raised by the protesters. The group has continued to demand accountability over the alleged failures linked to examination paper leaks. It has maintained that the resignation of the Education Minister remains one of its key demands.

With both JNU and Delhi University issuing advisories, the focus has now shifted beyond the protests themselves. The developments have raised fresh questions about student participation in public demonstrations, university disciplinary rules and the balance between campus regulations and the right to protest. As the agitation continues in the capital, the advisories have added a new layer to the ongoing debate surrounding the NEET-UG paper leak controversy.