Hansraj College wedding row: Backlash erupts as students protest principal's son wedding on campus

Students alleged that the institution's premises had effectively been turned into a private event venue, raising concerns over the use of public educational infrastructure for a personal function

• Hansraj College used for principal's son's wedding, sparking student protests
• Students allege double standards as permissions for private event granted
• Campus facilities, including hostels, used for wedding guests, causing inconvenience.

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Festive décor in shades of pink and white, ornate canopies and bustling preparations are typically associated with celebrations. At Delhi University's Hansraj College, however, similar scenes sparked sharp criticism and student protests.

This week, parts of the North Delhi campus were dressed up for the wedding festivities of Principal Rama Sharma's son. Students alleged that the institution's premises had effectively been turned into a private event venue, raising concerns over the use of public educational infrastructure for a personal function.

Images shared widely online showed large sections of the college grounds covered with decorative tents as workers readied the space for the ceremony. According to students, some campus facilities - including the hostel building - were used to accommodate wedding guests, leading to inconvenience and limited access for regular student activities.

On Monday, over 200 students assembled within the campus to protest, led by the Students' Federation of India (SFI) unit at Hansraj College. Demonstrators accused the administration of applying "double standards," arguing that permissions routinely denied to students were granted for the private event.

In a statement, the SFI said students are generally barred from using the college grounds for sports after 4 pm and often face hurdles in organising freshers' parties or farewell functions. The group further claimed that the annual 'Khelo Hansraj' sports event had been rescheduled due to the wedding arrangements.

The student body also questioned the reopening of the Hansraj Hostel, which it said had remained closed for nearly a year after being declared unsuitable for accommodation, but was reportedly used to host guests for the celebrations.

Asikul Islam, secretary of the SFI's Hansraj College unit, alleged that students continue to grapple with restrictions and inadequate facilities while the campus was made available for a private function.

One student told ANI that the same ground where students must wrap up activities by late afternoon was being used for celebrations extending beyond usual time limits.

Addressing the controversy, Delhi University Registrar Vikas Gupta said there was no cause for unnecessary debate. He clarified that the principal resides in an official residence allotted by the college and is permitted to hold personal events there.