Lucknow University Protest: Hanuman Chalisa Row Sparks Campus Tensions; Lal Baradari Sealed

Controversy intensified at Lucknow University after the administration sealed the gates of the Lal Baradari building, triggering protests on campus. The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), a right-wing student organisation, staged demonstrations for the second consecutive day, leading to clashes between students and police.

Protesting students held a sit-in outside the Proctor’s Office, alleging that they were peacefully reciting the Hanuman Chalisa when members of the Proctorial Board intervened and stopped them.

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The students have demanded action against those organising namaz and iftar gatherings on the campus road. Meanwhile, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) submitted a memorandum to Registrar Dr Bhavna Mishra, seeking appropriate action in the matter.

VIDEO:

#WATCH Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh: Students protested outside the Lal Baradari Masjid built inside Lucknow University over the mosque being closed. The students are holding a sit-in protest to demand the opening of the mosque's door. (22.02) pic.twitter.com/dTsaJDb0wT

— ANI (@ANI) February 23, 2026

Notice was issued by the Court of Assistant Commissioner of Police/Executive Magistrate, Commissionerate Lucknow, to students who had taken part in Sunday’s protest. As per the notice, based on a challan report filed by sub-inspector Ashwani Kumar Mishra under Section 126/135 BNSS dated February 23, the students had committed fraud in the university. 

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The Notice further alleged that an attempt was made to deliberately disrupt construction work at the Lal Baradari. The students have been summoned to appear before the executive magistrate’s court on Tuesday.