Savitribai Phule Pune University has barred protests, marches, meetings and demonstrations across its campus, including near the statue of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar, prompting student organisations to demand that the circular be withdrawn immediately.
The restriction was issued by Registrar Dr Prafull Pawar on the basis of a resolution passed by the university’s Management Council. The university said permission would no longer be granted for demonstrations, processions, meetings or protests on the campus, particularly on issues not directly connected with the university.
According to the circular, the campus has repeatedly been used for protests on national and wider public issues. The university said police authorities had permitted such gatherings on several occasions. It cited the participation of thousands of demonstrators and the possibility of undesirable incidents, as well as disruption to academic activity, as reasons for prohibiting such events.
The restriction applies to political parties, organisations, groups and other individuals or bodies seeking to hold demonstrations, meetings or marches on the university premises. The circular also refers to the participation of organisations associated with Shiv, Phule, Shahu and Ambedkarite thought, progressive groups and student organisations in campus activities.
The SPPU unit of the University Students’ Struggle Action Committee has opposed the decision. The committee said the restrictions affected students’ rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly protected under Articles 19(1)(a) and 19(1)(b) of the Constitution. It called for the university to respect students’ democratic rights and withdraw the circular.
The committee has also sought clarity on whether the rule would be applied uniformly to every organisation, including groups associated with political parties in power. It said the university should adopt a transparent position on how the restrictions would be enforced.
Abhishek Shelke, president of the committee, called on Shiv, Phule, Shahu, Ambedkarite and progressive organisations and student groups to protest the decision. Ambedkarite activist Dr Rahul Sasane also publicly opposed the circular and appealed to leaders, activists and academics associated with these movements to campaign against it.
The decision comes as the state Higher and Technical Education Department moves ahead with the process of forming a committee for student elections in educational institutions. The department constituted the committee on 24 September, according to the report. Student representatives have described the simultaneous movement towards student elections and restrictions on campus meetings and demonstrations as contradictory.
The university’s stated position is that the ban is intended to prevent disruption and maintain campus order. The student groups opposing it argue that a blanket restriction could limit legitimate democratic activity. The circular’s implementation, and the university’s response to demands for its withdrawal, will determine how protests and public meetings are regulated at SPPU.
