Panjab University students have raised strong objections to a new policy mandating an affidavit that restricts campus protests. In a letter to Punjab & Haryana High Court Chief Justice Sheel Nagu, students have sought suo motu action against what they believe is a direct attack on their constitutional rights.
The new rule, applicable to new admissions, requires every student to sign an affidavit promising that they will seek prior approval from university authorities before organizing any protest. The affidavit states that such protests can only be held in designated areas and must pertain to “genuine and justifiable grievances” approved by the competent authority.
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The affidavit further bars students from organizing or participating in any protest, rally, or dharna in the residential areas of the university — namely Sector 14 and Sector 25 campuses — or in any of the constituent colleges or regional centres affiliated with Panjab University.
It also prohibits inviting outsiders for any procession or protest and explicitly bans carrying firearms or weapons on campus.
"Violation of these terms will result in the student being debarred from appearing in examinations. Repeated violations may even lead to cancellation of admission and complete ban from entering university premises," the affidavit warns.
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Students fear that this policy severely curtails their right to peaceful protest. Karan Singh Parmar and Abhay Singh, both law graduates now pursuing masters at the University, authored the letter to the Chief Justice. They argue that these restrictions violate fundamental rights under Article 19(1)(a) and 19(1)(b) of the Indian Constitution, which guarantee the right to freedom of speech and peaceful assembly.
"The affidavit...Imposes sweeping and disproportionate restrictions on students' right to protest, express dissent, and assemble peacefully," the letter states.
"The University campus is a cradle of democratic dialogue and critical thought. Conditioning access to education on surrendering basic constitutional freedoms sets a deeply dangerous precedent. Students should not be forced to sign away their civil liberties in exchange for education," it further adds.
