In a decision that drew a clear line between discipline and dignity, the Allahabad High Court on February 4, 2026, struck down a direction that required a student to stand at a university gate holding a placard as a condition to continue his studies. The Division Bench, led by Chief Justice Arun Bhansali and Justice Kshitij Shailendra, said such a measure was not only humiliating but could leave a lasting mark on the student’s character.
Background of the Case
The appeal arose from a single judge order passed in October 2025. That order had set aside the student’s rustication but added several conditions. One of them asked the student to carry a placard stating he would not misbehave and to stand at the university gate for 30 minutes each morning for 30 days. The university was even told to photograph the act. Failure to follow this could lead to rustication again.
The student challenged this specific condition, arguing that it was degrading and would hurt his future. The university defended the order, saying the court had taken a humanitarian view and tried to balance discipline with a chance to reform.
Court Observations
After hearing both sides, the Bench agreed that some conditions were reasonable, such as asking the student to file an affidavit, maintain attendance, and submit a written apology. But the judges drew a firm line at the placard requirement.
“The direction… is not only humiliating but would cast a permanent scar on the character of the appellant,” the court observed, adding that such a step was not justified in the circumstances of the case.
The Bench noted that courts must ensure discipline, but the method should not cross into public shaming.
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Decision
The High Court set aside the placard condition alone. It also said that if the student had been rusticated again because he did not follow that condition, he should be given one chance to comply with the apology requirement.
Once that is done, the rustication will stand cancelled, and the student must follow the remaining directions, including attendance rules.
With these directions, the appeal was disposed of.
Case Title: X v. Chairman, UGC & Others
Case Number: Special Appeal Defective No. 80 of 2026
Decision Date: February 4, 2026
