Delhi University Students March for Safer Campus Spaces

On Monday, September 28, at least 3,000 women students marched through North Campus of Delhi University (DU). The protest, organized under the banner “Hum Auratein Azaad Hain” (We Women Are Free), called for safer public and institutional spaces, better street lighting, improved public-transport connectivity, functional public toilets and an end to survivor-blaming. The march began at Miranda House, passed the Faculty of Arts and concluded near the Swami Vivekananda statue, continuing despite rain.

Delhi University students march in rain over women’s safety

The demonstration followed the gang-rape of a 17-year-old girl on September 21 at Aastha Kunj Park, an incident that sparked multiple student protests across DU. A prior march on September 23, led by students of Lady Shri Ram College, had already highlighted concerns over sexual harassment and the functioning of Internal Complaints Committees (ICCs) on campus.

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• A Delhi police official overseeing the safety audits said the exercise evaluates 16 parameters, including gate security, lighting, CCTV coverage, and verification of staff.

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• The police announced that reports from individual institutions will be compiled for further action, with more than 5,000 schools and 30 universities across the capital slated for coverage. Audits have already been completed at 686 institutions in three districts.

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• The Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) issued a statement supporting the march, with President Yash Dabas emphasizing that women’s safety is a core commitment of the union and will continue to be raised with university administration. DUSU Secretary Riya Chhawri added that safety concerns should not be addressed selectively.

New Indian ExpressDelhi University SFI holds Campus Justice March, demands safer spaces for women Delhi University students march in rain over women’s safety The Hindu

• Participants: >= 3,000 women students on September 28.

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• Audit Scope: > 5,000 schools and 30 universities to be audited; 686 institutions already inspected.

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• Audit Parameters: 16 criteria covering physical security, lighting, CCTV, staff verification, and transport facilities.

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Students described the march as a stand against restrictions on movement after dark. One participant noted that her parents discouraged participation due to safety fears, yet she joined regardless. Another criticized linking women’s safety to clothing or timing, noting that children also face attacks. A master’s student recounted parental anxiety that intensified after the September 21 rape, with constant location-checking by family members. Others highlighted additional burdens placed on women, such as paying extra for safer transport and higher rent demands from PG owners citing safety concerns.

Delhi University SFI holds Campus Justice March, demands safer spaces for women

The protests demand structural safety improvements rather than restrictive measures that limit women’s mobility. Calls for functional ICCs, adequate lighting, and reliable public transport reflect a push for systemic change in campus and city infrastructure. The police’s ongoing safety audits represent an institutional response, but students stress accountability and timely remediation of identified gaps.

Delhi University SFI holds Campus Justice March, demands safer spaces for women

• “Pink booths are put up, but most of the time no one is sitting there,” — Ms. Anjali

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Delhi police have indicated that audit findings will be compiled for further action, and the city-wide inspection drive, launched in July as part of Child Protection Month, will continue across remaining institutions. Student groups have signaled intent to maintain pressure on university administration and municipal authorities to implement the demanded safety infrastructure.

The Hindu