Hansraj College in north Delhi became the center of controversy after the campus was transformed for the wedding of principal Rama Sharma’s son. The elaborate arrangements sparked protests from students, who raised concerns about the use of public educational facilities for a private event. Students alleged that key sections of the university, including the hostel, were converted into guest accommodation, disrupting academic life and restricting access to facilities.

Images on social media showed parts of the university covered in colorful tents, with major wedding preparations underway. Protesters accused the administration of “double standards” as resources normally denied to students were used for the event. More than 200 students, led by the Hansraj College unit of the Students’ Federation of India, gathered to demand accountability from the administration.

SFI stated that college campuses are often off-limits to students after 4 p.m., and permits for student events, such as freshman welcome and farewells, are often denied or restricted. The group also claimed that the annual sports tournament ‘Khelo Hansraj’ was rescheduled to accommodate the wedding.

Concerns were also raised about the Hansraj hostel, which SFI said had been closed for almost a year as “unfit for habitation”, but was reportedly reopened for wedding guests. Asikul Islam, secretary of SFI’s Hansraj College unit, said, “The principal is treating our campus like a private estate, while students continue to struggle with restrictions and inadequate facilities. Today’s turnout shows that students will not remain silent.”

A student described, “This is the same ground that students are forced to vacate after 4pm every day, where college graduations and parties are not allowed. Even when permission is granted, activities are restricted until 5pm. The wedding, however, is being held far beyond these limits.”

Students also expressed concern about potential damage to university grounds caused by the wedding infrastructure. They called for transparency, stating: “We want to know how a private wedding was allowed on university grounds and demand transparency in the decision.”

Director Rama Sharma did not respond to requests for comment. Delhi University registrar Vikas Gupta rejected the allegations, saying “there was no unnecessary controversy”.

Gupta clarified, “The headmistress lives in the residence allotted by the university and has the right to organize such events. This is not the first time such a function has been held, and she is allowed to do so.”