India, March 25 -- The Delhi High Court has set aside the expulsion of a Dr BR Ambedkar University Delhi student for allegedly participating in a sit-in protest, holding that a university cannot restrict speech or peaceful expression of ideas merely because the views of a group of students do not align with the management's ideology.

In a March 13 order, released on Monday, Justice Jasmeet Singh stated that a university is not merely a place for attending classes and completing courses but also a space where students develop independent thought, question ideas, and engage in critical thinking.

Since such institutions, as instrumentalities of the State, perform the vital public function of shaping future citizens, universities must foste...