Rahul Gandhi Censured By Delhi University Hostel For "Sudden" Visit That Was "Conduct... Beyond Dignity"

Delhi University postgraduate men's hostel provost sent a notice to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday (10 May) for his "sudden" visit to the hostel last week.

According to the two-page note, "such a conduct from a leader of a National Party who has Z-plus security is beyond dignity."

K P Singh's note to Gandhi said the incident amounted to trespassing and irresponsible behaviour, and asked Gandhi to "cease and desist from taking any such untoward step in future..."

Gandhi's "unexpected entry" into the premises along with three vehicles violated hostel rules, according to the provost.

The notice referred to rule 15.13 of the Hostel Handbook, which prohibits residents from engaging in any activity within the premises except for academic and residents council-related activities.

Gandhi had visited a men's hostel, talked with students, and had lunch with them on Friday (5 May).

It led to a meeting the next day of the Management Committee of the Hostel, with the Dean Students' Welfare and Proctor of the University of Delhi present.

The hostel is governed by several rules to ensure the welfare of its residents and to maintain proper discipline, according to the notice.

The hostel administration has the authority to halt any activity that violates set regulations, as per Rule 15.13 of the Handbook of Information and Rules of the Hostel, said the notice.

The note said the incident had endangered the safety of all present at the hostel. To ensure the safety of the hostel residents, staff, and authorities, Gandhi has been directed to refrain from any similar actions in the future.

The Delhi University had issued a statement a day after the "sudden and unauthorised visit," expressing concern about the security of hostel residents as well as Gandhi.

"University authorities will take necessary steps to avoid such incidents of this trespassing and will ensure that this does not happen in future again," it said.

The Congress' student wing on Tuesday (9 May) accused the administration of being pressured to take action against Gandhi.

Refuting the allegation, the registrar said, "There is no such pressure. It is a matter of discipline."