On March 24, 2023, Delhi University students, protesting the debarment of peers for screening the BBC documentary "The Modi Question," faced disruption. University guards and Delhi police forcefully stopped the peaceful protest by 40-50 students from various organisations. Subsequently, 11 students were detained at Burari police station and later released. The incident stemmed from the university's claim that the documentary was "anti-national" and "propagandist," leading to the ban of two students.

The detention of students raises concerns about a violation of constitutionally guaranteed rights, including the right to life and peaceful assembly. Article 19 (1) (b) of the Indian Constitution that protects the right to peacefully assemble, and Article 21 which ensures the right to live without fear or intimidation were both violated. HRDA urges the NHRC to:

1. Direct the VC of Delhi University to conduct an immediate, independent, and transparent investigation into the disruption of the peaceful assembly. The investigation should assess the constitutionality and legality of involving the police on campus. A comprehensive report must be submitted to the NHRC within 4 weeks.
2. Direct the Commissioner of Police of Delhi to explain the disruption of the peaceful protest and the detention of students. The report should outline why preventive measures were not taken to ensure a calm protest. Submit the report to the NHRC within 4 weeks.

The appeal aims to prompt urgent action from the National Human Rights Commission to address the alleged violations and uphold the rights of the affected students.