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SFI students protest against MLA Janartha over his remarks on student council elections

The SFI activists had gathered outside the university library to hand over a memorandum, but soon began raising slogans against the MLA when he preferred to proceed for the EC meeting without interacting with them.

3 min readShimlaSep 27, 2025 08:58 PM IST

As the protest intensified, a scuffle broke out between the students and personnel of the police’s Quick Response Team (QRT) deployed on the spot. (Express photo)

Tension prevailed at Himachal Pradesh University (HPU) Saturday when members of the Students’ Federation of India (SFI) staged a protest against Shimla (Urban) MLA and Executive Council (EC) member Harish Janartha over his comments on restoration of student council elections.

The SFI activists had gathered outside the university library to hand over a memorandum, but soon began raising slogans against the MLA when he preferred to proceed for the EC meeting without interacting with them. As the protest intensified, a scuffle broke out between the students and personnel of the police’s Quick Response Team (QRT) deployed on the spot. In the melee, some students, including female protesters, reportedly suffered minor injuries. Allegations were levelled that police personnel pushed the female students during the altercation.

SFI secretary Ashish Chauhan said, “The SFI’s primary demand was the restoration of student union elections in the university. After submitting their demands, the activists staged a sit-in demonstration on the campus. We wanted to hand over our memorandum to MLA Harish Janartha. He made comments during the recently concluded monsoon session of the Assembly wherein he slammed the idea of restoration of student council elections at HPU. He had said in the House that student politics only ruins the careers of students. Along with it, we are also demanding introduction of more buses for the students on the campus. A demand to increase the hostel facility for the students has also been pending for a long time.”

Meanwhile, members of the teachers’ association, who have been on a 24-hour hunger strike, also staged a parallel protest. Carrying black banners, they handed over their charter of demands to EC members attending the meeting and warned of intensified agitation if their grievances were not addressed. The teachers accused the university administration of failing to resolve long-standing issues and highlighted the growing discontent among faculty and students alike. District SFI president Vivek Nehra and state general secretary Sunny Sekta addressed the gathering.

Given the charged atmosphere, heavy police deployment was made on the campus to prevent any law-and-order disturbance. As the students attempted to corner Janartha near the library, the police resorted to mild force to disperse them.

The police later escorted the Congress legislator out of the campus. A senior officer said, “MLA Harish Janartha was scheduled to leave in his official vehicle when protesting students blocked the way. We had to escort him to the main gate to ensure his safe exit. The situation is now under control and no serious injuries have been reported.”

Saurabh Parashar

Saurabh Parashar is an Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, primarily responsible for the publication’s coverage of Himachal Pradesh. He is a seasoned journalist with over 17 years of experience in print media, specializing in crime, legal affairs, and investigative reporting. Professional Background Education: He holds a Master’s degree in Mass Communication from Guru Jambheshwar University of Science & Technology (Hisar) and a Law degree from Himachal Pradesh University (HPU), Shimla. This legal background significantly informs his reporting on complex judicial and administrative matters. Career Path: Before joining The Indian Express in 2017, he spent 12 years with The Times of India. Core Beats: His primary focus is the socio-political landscape of the hill state, with a specific emphasis on the environment, forest conservation, drug menace (specifically "Chitta"), affairs related to tribal and archaeology and the unique challenges of governance in high-altitude regions. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) His recent reporting highlights the critical intersection of policy, law, and social safety in Himachal Pradesh: 1. "Himachal’s battle against Chitta: Why the border areas are most vulnerable" (Late 2025): An investigative look at the transit routes from Punjab and the impact on local youth. 2. "Shimla ropeway clears key hurdle as 820 trees face the axe :According to the Forest Survey of India’s 2021 assessment, 47.21 percent of Shimla’s 5,131 sq km geographical area is under forest cover (Nov 17, 2025). 3. "Himachal to handover 2.7427 ha of non-forest land for Shimla Ropeway: Given the land’s non-forest nature, RTDC and the state will not require permission from MoEFCC" (Nov 18, 2025) 4. "How the centuries-old Jodidara tradition is fading in Himachal’s Trans-Giri region: Jodidara: a form of fraternal polyandry—has long been part of Hatti tribal culture in the Trans-Giri region of Himachal Pradesh and adjoining Uttarakhand. It is believed to have evolved to prevent division of ancestral land and maintain unity among brothers in the harsh, mountainous terrain" (Aug 18, 2025) Legal & Agricultural Affairs "Kisan Sabha hails SC’s setting aside Himachal HC order to remove orchards from forest land" (Dec 18, 2025): Covering a major Supreme Court victory for farmers, where a High Court order to remove fruit-bearing apple orchards was overturned. "Himachal Cabinet nod to new tourism policy; focus on home-stays in tribal areas" (Dec 11, 2025): Detailing the legislative push to decentralize tourism and bring economic benefits to Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur. 3. Governance & Environment "Forest rights and development: Why Himachal is seeking more leeway from Centre" (Dec 19, 2025): Reporting on the legal hurdles faced by the state in infrastructure projects due to the Forest Conservation Act. "Cloudbursts and resilience: How Himachal’s remote villages are building back better" (Nov 2025): Following up on the long-term rehabilitation efforts after monsoon-related disasters. Crime especially cyber crimes, crypto currency etc: crypto currency: "Agents in uniform, motivational speeches, lavish parties: How a Himachal crypto con went unnoticed:A serial conman, a ‘Nelson Mandela Nobel Peace Award winner', and retired policemen got together to pull off a Rs 1,740-crore fraud" (Nov 10, 2023) Signature Beats Saurabh is recognized for his tenacious reporting on the state's drug epidemic. His deep familiarity with the topography and tribal culture of Himachal allows him to report from remote locations like Spiti, Pangi, Shillai, which are often overlooked by national media. His legal expertise makes him a primary choice for covering the Himachal Pradesh High Court on issues ranging from local body elections to environmental PILs. X (Twitter): @saurabh_prashar . ... Read More

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