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Time of India
a day ago
- Politics
- Time of India
PU protest ends after understanding on checking, raids
Chandigarh: The three-day protest at Panjab University came to an end on the evening of Independence Day after students and university authorities reached a mutual understanding on key issues related to police presence, vehicle checking, hostel inspections, and campus traffic management. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The protest began on August 13, when students objected to police personnel conducting vehicle checks at internal nakas, claiming it violated assurances given during a prior meeting with the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) and dean, Student Welfare (DSW). Students demanded the complete withdrawal of police from campus, citing concerns over excessive surveillance and intrusion. After multiple rounds of discussions, it was agreed that vehicle checking would be handled solely by university security. Police will only be involved if something objectionable is found during routine checks. A similar arrangement was made for hostel room inspections—wardens and university security will conduct checks, and police will intervene only in cases of illegal activity. The naka at the administrative block, which had become the focal point of the protest, has been suspended. However, three other nakas inside the Sector 14 campus will continue to operate, and checking at the main gates will remain in place. Authorities also agreed to review the one-way traffic system on two major campus roads. The chief of university security will submit a report, and the final decision will be taken by the SSP. On August 14, tensions escalated when students blocked another road and two sat on a hunger strike. The DSW warned that continued disruption could impact the upcoming student council elections, expected to be announced next week. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now While the written agreement does not mention any reduction in police deployment—a key student demand—DSW Prof Amit Chauhan said the arrangements were made keeping both student concerns and campus security in mind. "Our responsibility is to ensure safety while also listening to students. These steps reflect that balance," he said. Police deployment will resume once the election code of conduct comes into force.
New Indian Express
29-05-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
'A direct threat to constitutional freedoms..': New Code of Conduct at Pondicherry University triggers student backlash
The release of Pondicherry University Disciplinary Rules and Code of Conduct for Students, has ignited a wave of protests among the student community. The code was formally notified on May 24, 2025. Issued under Statutes 8(1) and 30 of the Pondicherry University Act, 1985, the new regulations aim to enforce stricter discipline but have drawn criticism for being authoritarian and vague. The code, which applies to all Regular, Part-time, Distance, and Online Learning students, outlines penalties for a range of infractions. These include fines of up to Rs 6,000 for 'acts of moral turpitude' and up to Rs 10,000 for participating in protests—including hunger strikes, sit-ins, and group bargaining—within 100 metres of any academic or administrative building. Repeat offenders may face eviction from hostels for up to two semesters. The university administration insists the regulations are in line with standards followed by other Central universities. 'The code is intended to maintain discipline and a healthy academic environment,' said Y. Venkat Rao, Dean of Student Welfare (DSW), adding that the university is now utilizing a provision from the Pondicherry University Act, 1985, which had remained dormant for decades. Rao emphasized that the Proctorial Board's composition includes representatives from minority communities, women, and the Northeast region. 'We've ensured due process and natural justice in the disciplinary framework,' he added. However, the Students' Council of Pondicherry University and a coalition of student organizations under the Joint Action Committee (JAC) have condemned the regulations as authoritarian. The Students' Council, in its own statement titled 'Resist the Fascist Onslaught', alleged that the code introduces undefined moral standards that could be used to target dissenting voices. They raised concerns about the broad and ambiguous language used, such as 'decorous behaviour' and 'acts lowering the status of the university.' In a joint statement, the JAC—comprising ASA, AISF, BSF, Fraternity Movement, MSF, NSUI, and SIO—called the move 'a blueprint for administrative overreach and the silencing of dissent.' 'This is not a mere disciplinary code, but a direct threat to constitutional freedoms and democratic engagement on campus,' said in the JAC statement.
