Pune: SPPU Bans Protests On Non-University Issues, Student Organisations Demand Withdrawal Of Circular
Pune: Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) has decided to prohibit protests, demonstrations, public meetings and rallies on national and broader issues that are not directly related to the university. The decision, approved by the university's Management Council, has triggered strong opposition from student organisations, which have demanded the immediate withdrawal of the circular. The…
Savai Phule Pune University (SPPU) has instituted a ban on protests and demonstrations related to broader issues that do not directly involve the university. The decision, made by the university's Management Council, has been met with significant backlash from student organizations. The University Students' Struggle Action Committee has criticized the restriction, claiming it infringes upon students' constitutional rights to express their opinions and engage in peaceful assembly.
The committee specifically objects to limitations placed near the statue of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar on the SPPU campus.
The Management Council's resolution was approved by Bageshree Manthalkar, seconded by Dr. Devidas Waidande. The university pointed out the repeated use of rallies and demonstrations by groups such as the Cockroach Janta Party and Samyak Vidyarthi Andolan on campus for national issues not directly tied to the institution. These large gatherings were deemed disruptive to the peaceful academic atmosphere, potentially damaging university property and straining security resources.
As a result, the university decided to deny permission for protests, demonstrations, and meetings on matters unrelated to the campus.
Student organizations argue that the restriction undermines their fundamental rights to freedom of speech and assembly, as outlined in Articles 19(1)(a) and 19(1)(b) of the Indian Constitution. University Students' Struggle Action Committee president Abhishek Shelkar highlighted that while the state government has established a committee for student elections, SPPU appears to be stifling student democracy.
Shelkar expressed strong disapproval of the limitations on assembly near the revered Ambedkar statue, questioning the logic behind restricting peaceful democratic expression at such a significant location.
The committee raised concerns about the potential for inconsistent enforcement of the restrictions, particularly regarding organizations linked to the ruling party. They have urged progressive student groups to unite against the decision and demanded an immediate withdrawal of the circular. This development has exposed a clash between campus discipline and students' demands for a space to express dissent and participate in democratic activities.
Written by urgent.news from Free Press Journal's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
