A university that fears its students risks hollowing out its intellectual core. 2 min read Apr 29, 2026 06:10 AM IST First published on: Apr 29, 2026 at 06:10 AM IST Events of the past week at Hansraj College sit uneasily with the idea and promise of the university. The college has clamped down on students, suspending at least 30 for “derogatory language” and “defaming the college” on social media. There is a widening gap between the lofty aim of nurturing critical inquiry on campus and the reality of a heavy-handed crackdown on any form of disagreement or dissent. The college’s move against students allegedly criticising it was followed by an FIR against 13 persons, including some students who had already been suspended, for a fracas that took place during the institution’s annual festival earlier in the month. The action comes amid a university-wide tightening of restrictions and controls over students.…