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In a move to ensure the safe and smooth conduct of college festivals, Delhi University (DU) has issued a detailed advisory mandating strict compliance with new Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all its constituent colleges, hostels, and centres across the North and South Campus. The circular, aligning with Delhi Police directives and the Delhi High Court’s orders, focuses on tightening campus vigilance and streamlining event management during the upcoming fest season.
According to DU’s 2024 proctor office advisory, every college and hostel must now appoint a dedicated Liaison Officer (LO) to coordinate with Delhi Police for all gatherings and cultural events. This officer will act as the primary point of contact for law enforcement and must remain available throughout the duration of the event to ensure effective communication and real-time coordination. For large-scale fests, institutions can designate an event-specific LO responsible for sharing essential details with the local police.
The advisory comes amid growing safety concerns following past incidents of disorder during campus fests. In 2022, Miranda House faced a serious security breach when outsiders gatecrashed its fest, and in 2023, men were reported scaling the walls of Indraprastha College for Women, harassing students and causing injuries. These alarming events have prompted the university to take heightened precautionary measures to safeguard students and restore discipline on campus.
As part of the new framework, DU has made social media transparency mandatory. Colleges are required to issue detailed online notices specifying event timings, entry passes, and traffic arrangements to avoid confusion and unauthorized entry. The move aims to improve public communication and regulate crowd management more effectively.
In addition, the circular emphasizes emergency preparedness. Every event must have an on-site first-aid team, a static ambulance, and fire safety equipment in place. The Delhi University administration has also instructed institutions to establish separate gates for VIPs and general attendees, with clearly rehearsed contingency exit routes to manage emergencies efficiently.
The SOP further states that colleges must share event details with the local Station House Officer (SHO) at least 72 hours in advance, ensuring adequate police deployment and volunteer support. This advance intimation is expected to strengthen coordination between campus authorities and law enforcement, minimizing chances of last-minute chaos.
Importantly, the advisory reiterates that the sole responsibility for the conduct and management of events rests with the respective college or institution. This clause underscores institutional accountability and discourages negligence in planning or security lapses.
DU officials have clarified that these measures are not meant to restrict student celebrations but to create a secure, disciplined, and inclusive environment where festivals can proceed without disruption or danger. “The aim is to prevent incidents that compromise the safety of students and to ensure that cultural fests remain spaces of creativity and joy, not chaos,” a senior university official stated.
With this new directive, Delhi University has set a benchmark for campus safety that other institutions in the NCR may soon follow. Students and organizers are urged to familiarize themselves with these updated SOPs, participate responsibly, and cooperate fully with university and police authorities.
The fest season is a vibrant and cherished part of DU’s culture — a time for music, art, debate, and connection. But with safety now a shared responsibility, these new rules remind everyone that celebration must go hand in hand with caution.
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