Now Reading: Zoya Hasan lecture at Delhi school cancelled over security fears
-
01
Zoya Hasan lecture at Delhi school cancelled over security fears
JNU professor emerita Zoya Hasan’s lecture on pluralism at Sardar Patel Vidyalaya in central Delhi was cancelled on Friday, with the school citing security concerns. Hasan said a security official informed her…
The Story in Brief
JNU professor emerita Zoya Hasan’s lecture on pluralism at Sardar Patel Vidyalaya in central Delhi was cancelled on Friday, with the school citing security concerns. Hasan said a security official informed her of a threat to her safety. Teachers alleged that members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) had gathered outside the school, though no violence or property damage was reported.
Delhi Police denied any protest or gathering, stating they received no complaint or request for assistance from the school management. VHP spokesperson Vinod Bansal also denied the protest and called Hasan an “anti-national supporter”. The school principal Anuradha Joshi did not respond to queries. The incident follows the cancellation of a JNU discussion on author Aatish Taseer’s book less than a week ago.
The Indian Opinion
The repeated cancellation of academic talks, first at JNU, now at Sardar Patel Vidyalaya, feeds a lazy narrative that free speech is dead in India. Yet the facts are murkier. Delhi Police say no protest occurred and received no call from the school. VHP denies gathering. The school has not spoken. Until the principal or an official order explains who raised the security concern and on what evidence, the story remains one of allegation and counter-allegation. The test is simple: will the school issue a statement naming the source of the threat?
Sources (2): newindianexpress.com, hindustantimes.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the 2 sources linked above.
Updated: this story now draws on 2 sources.
