Pune : SPPU students not likely to follow restrictions Issued by admin following clashes

Following clashes between Students’ Federation of India (SFI) and Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) members last week on the campus of Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU), the university administration has placed restrictions on planning any type of event on campus. The decision has not been well received by the university’s student body or by visitors who come for morning and evening strolls.

Tension on campus last week was caused by an altercation between members of the two student unions and derogatory graffiti that was written on the walls of the university hostel and targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) was then enforced by the Pune police inside the SPPU premises from Wednesday till November 21. 

Therefore, it is forbidden for more than two people to congregate on a university campus. However, the order will not apply to teachers, staff members, police officers, security personnel, or students.

Earlier this week, SPPU registrar Prafull Pawar released a circular informing everyone involved that legal action would be taken if any registration, campaign, agitation, program, or activity in the area/premises is carried out without first receiving permission from the police administration and the university administration.

Without the university’s or the police’s permission, outside groups and individuals have been holding protests, agitations, and demonstrations inside the campus for the past few days. As a result, there have been reports of fights and other conflicts breaking out during university classes.

According to a representative of a student organization, it is unfair to prevent them from conducting regular events for students on the university campus.

Those who go for walks on the varsity campus have also not taken well to the limitations. A walker at the university mentioned that she regularly visits the campus because of the peaceful atmosphere in the evenings. However, as of right now, their group is not permitted to take a walk in the campus.

Shreyas Vange