'Why do we talk about democracy then?': Kapil Sibal slams JNU, DU advisories against visits to Jantar Mantar

Sibal questioned the basis of the advisories and asked whether there was any Supreme Court order prohibiting people from visiting Jantar Mantar.

He said such advisories discourage students, teachers and staff from expressing their views.

Speaking to the reporters, Sibal said, "I am surprised at what the VCs of the high-level institutions in our country are doing...I have seen a tweet regarding JNU that whatever is the community of JNU, they should adopt their attitude in the right manner because it is a question of their own safety, meaning that their safety and their protection is in danger...Tell us which Supreme Court direction is there where they say that you cannot go to Jantar Mantar; please tell us also...It means that you, Vice Chancellor sahib, will tell your staff, community, lecturers, students that you should responsibly do your work, do not go to Jantar Mantar, do not tweet, do not go on social media, do not put your opinion before the public, do not take sides."

"What do you want, that our students should become government employees? Should our academicians also become government employees? If you become government employees, then everyone should also become government employees? So citizens of India also become government employees, then why do we talk about democracy," he further said.

His remarks came after Jawaharlal Nehru University issued an advisory asking students, faculty and staff to refrain from participating in or visiting gatherings at or around Jantar Mantar, citing Supreme Court directions on public demonstrations.

In its advisory, JNU said all members of the university community should act responsibly and prioritise their personal safety.

The University of Delhi also issued a safety advisory asking students and faculty members to avoid participating in unauthorised assemblies and demonstrations at Jantar Mantar. (ANI)