During the court hearing, the nine magistrates said police action on university campuses should stop, because it affects freedom of expression and thought at the universities.

The ruling sets a precedent just as tensions are running high before Bolsonaro is sworn in.

"There is no democratic right without respect of freedoms," said Judge Carmen Lucia Antunes, who was rapporteur for the case.

"The only legitimate force that can invade universities is that of free and plural ideas; any other is tyranny," she added.

Bolsonaro takes office in Latin America's biggest nation and largest economy in January.