The Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI) in Kolkata has suspended regular classes until 13 November 2026 and directed students to vacate hostels and other campus facilities within 24 hours, according to an order issued by the institute administration on Friday evening.
The directive, issued by Registrar Deepak Kumar at 6 pm on 16 October, applies to the institute’s Film Wing and Electronic and Digital Media (EDM) Wing. Regular academic activities will remain suspended until further orders, while hostel mess services will also remain closed until 13 November.
The administration cited upcoming festivals and administrative requirements as the reasons for the decision. Students have been instructed to leave their hostel accommodation as well as other parts of the institute campus within 24 hours of the order being issued.
The order comes amid a student protest at SRFTI, where students have reportedly been boycotting classes for several days. The dispute intensified after an incident on 27 September during a programme, when banners were allegedly damaged and a clash reportedly took place between students and workers associated with an organisation linked to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, according to Sanmarg – Kolkata.
Following the incident, students intensified their protest and raised demands including the resignation of Vice-Chancellor Santosh Ajmera and the withdrawal of disciplinary action. Reports of six students being expelled from the institute have further escalated the dispute, although the administration’s latest order attributes the campus closure to festivals and administrative requirements.
The decision creates immediate logistical difficulties for students who have travelled from other states to study at the institute. With hostel accommodation and mess services unavailable during the suspension period, affected students must make arrangements outside the campus while regular academic activity remains halted.
The administration has warned that deliberate violation of the order or any obstruction to the institute’s functioning could invite disciplinary or legal action under applicable rules. Deans, heads of departments, hostel wardens and security officers have been assigned responsibility for enforcing the directive.
These officials have also been instructed to maintain records of any violations and report them to the relevant authorities. The order keeps the Film and EDM wings closed for regular academic activity until 13 November, when the administration’s stated suspension period is scheduled to end.
