In a significant legal battle unfolding in the Bombay High Court, two students from Pune have taken on Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) over a recent circular that requires eight days’ advance permission for organizing protests on campus. Avinash Atmaram Solunke and Akshay Anilkumar Jain argue that the circular infringes on their constitutional rights to freedom of speech and peaceful assembly. Solunke, a student at ILS Law College, and Jain, the General Secretary of Congress Youth Wing Maharashtra, filed a writ petition challenging Circular No. 316/2024 issued by SPPU.
The circular mandates written approval at least eight days prior to any protest, rally, or demonstration within the university campus. While the university claims this measure is necessary for maintaining order, the petitioners believe it restricts their ability to address urgent issues effectively. They argue that the requirement is arbitrary, excessive, and could potentially be misused to suppress student activism.
The petitioners have asked the Bombay High Court to quash the circular, direct the university to refrain from imposing unreasonable restrictions, and grant interim relief by staying the implementation of the circular. The case has sparked discussions about campus democracy and the balance between discipline and democratic rights in educational institutions.
While SPPU has not issued an official statement on the matter, sources suggest that the circular was introduced to prevent disruptions and ensure campus safety during protests. The outcome of this legal battle could have implications for student activism and constitutional rights in universities across India. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
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